Thinking about during readers relationship with mattheo riddle, their hair would be a really dark brown, any makeup would be to accentuate darker features, and all shades of dark clothing. Obviously mattheo would be incredibly / forcefully influential in their life, so his habits and hobbies would be made to become theirs too.
Post breakup reader has their hair a lighter, honey ish brown, soft makeup with a glowy highlight, and starting to find their own interests again like reading in the courtyard in the sun (I’m picturing under the tree Draco is in in goblet of fire)
I really think mattheo would be into the innocence of a hufflepuff reader, whether he wants to keep that innocence or he has a thing for corrupting them, I’m not too sure 🤷🏻♀️
pairing: mattheo riddle×female oc synopsis: what happens when a new student starts getting on the Dark Lord's son's nerves?
part 2 part 3
~•── ✧《✩》✧ ──•~
Isadora Estelle Bonivarda was seventeen, her head had been staring outside of the train window for the entirety of the long ride.
The scottish highlands seemed so fitting for a wizardry school, it was foggy and rainy, the sky was painted grey, in the distance she saw high mountains and black clouds, nothing like what she was used to.
Her mother had barged into her bedroom on a summer evening while she was reading a tarot book and excitedly told her she had finally bought a small shop in Diagon Alley, so they would've moved to London.
Moving had been sad, she said goodbye to the friends she had grown up with, the ones who helped her when she needed and whom she helped when they needed. Emma was the hardest. They met on the first day of primary school and had been bound together ever since, it felt like a dagger into her heart.
London was a big city and they had a small apartment, very different from the family house they used to live in. Everything seemed grey and sad to her, maybe she just missed her friends, her life back home in Italy.
As the train ran she noticed big black mountains, the clouds were about the same color and she had found a mysterious beauty about it, 'sublime nature' she thought of the English art movement and it seemed fitting.
As they arrived an ocean of people flooded out of the train, she waited until it was easy to step outside, she noticed a girl with blonde hair and a pair of colored glasses, she seemed cool. On the opposite side was a group of boys with smug looks on their faces, they seemed like the kind of people who would make fun of you.
Hogwarts was enormous, a castle full of bridges and towers and lights, adorned by a full moon by the highest tower. She followed the people to the Great Hall, it's walls had candles which seemed to float and a night sky so clear it was contrasting the one outside.
Everyone took place in their house's respective tables, the blonde girl sat on the right and the smug boys on the very left. Where was she supposed to go?
"Good evening students" said a man, he had a long white beard and a wise look "I do hope your ride was alright and i will let you eat in just a minute" he nodded "But first, this year we have made an exception for a student that comes from one of the most important magic schools of Europe and that has a very striking family history" He was talking about her.
"Isadora Bonivarda, please do come" he said. She walked the hall to a wooden chair, next to it was a woman dressed in green who was holding a funny looking hat. She sat down and the object was placed on top of her head.
"Great mind" It said "Interested character" it then added, she tried to hold back a laugh because it was true "I can see that she's smart" it murmured "But where do I place you? You would make a wonderful Ravenclaw and a great Slytherin"
Her mother had told her that she would've been putted into Ravenclaw.
"Ravenclaw" she whispered
"Ravenclaw?" it asked her again and she nodded "Ravenclaw!" it exclaimed, everyone clapped as the hat was removed from her head.
The table was full of people, the colors were blue and silver, which were colors that complimented her nicely since she had dark hair. She sat between the blonde girl, she seemed lonely and so was her.
"Hi" Isadora said "Hello" responded the blonde with a smile "I'm Luna" "Isadora, call me Isa" "It is nice to meet you"
The two talked a lot during dinner, Luna was very smart, she knew a lot of stuff about magic and books so the conversation flooded like butter on bread, from cartomancy to astrology and crystals.
After dinner her and her new friend went to the Ravenclaw common room, a big library with a few sofas, everything was blue and silver, a door led to stairs that took to the girl's dorms if you took the left way. Luna didn't have a roommate, so it was natural that Isa decided to share her room with her.
She wrote a letter to her mother to tell her what had happened that day, she also thanked her for what she did, even if she missed everything from her old life dearly.
{.⋅ ✯ ⋅.}
Isadora woke up earlier than she should've, she got out of her bed lazily, her roommate was still sound asleep. She opened her wardrobe and took her uniform, then she went to the bathroom.
Her pajamas was quickly charged into her school stuff, a white long sleeved shirt and a dark blue and silver tie, then a grey skirt and a black rope. On her feet she wore white socks and her Mary Janes, for her hair she decided on a silver headband.
She went back into her room and got her wand, Luna was still sleeping.
"Luna are you coming to breakfast?" she whispered to the girl as she gently shook her.
"No don't worry" she replied
Isa listened and let her sleep.
It was easy to find the way to The Great Hall, a lot of students were running there to eat and she followed them.
The Hall was painted of a bright sky, perfectly capturing the happiness of students having breakfast with all they wanted. Estelle sat down next to a boy who looked a little older than her,she got herself a little yogurt, some neatly cut strawberries, granola and honey, it felt like paradise.
She noticed that her table was mostly silent, everyone looked tired and sleepy, some exchanged a few words and then silenced themselves to eat, while the table behind her, the Slytherins, were loud, they yelled about some sport called 'quidditch' and about professors. Some about girls, the ones who looked like snobby boys yesterday night were talking about the last matter of the list.
Her first lesson was 'Study of ancient runes' and it lasted two hours, Luna was a year younger than her so she would've been alone. Luckily she had been given a map of the school and she was rightfully proud of her sense of direction.
The room was circular, small and full the morning light, basically everyone was already seated, she noticed that Ravencalws were partnered with Slytherins.
Professor Babbling, what a great surname, was a small woman with vaporous red hair and big glasses, she welcomed her with a kind smile.
"Miss Bonivarda, as you may have seen I will partner you with a student from the respective house, now the only student left Mr. Riddle, who sits there" her small finger pointed to a curly haired figure on the second row to the right.
"Alright" she said before going to sit next to the boy
"Hi" she said, no one responded
Isadora sat down and took her little notebook and her burgundy quill as the lesson started. She took notes and occasionally looked at her deskmate, he was pretty, too bad he wouldn't talk to her.
For an hour the professor had spoken about runes, everyone took notes, exept for Riddle who just looked annoyed. The second hour the desk pairs were supposed to try to identify the runes together.
Between them was a velvet box that contained the small circular objects, she opened it. "So, would you like to start?" she tried, he didn't even look at her "You could do that on your own" he said and she looked at him with a stern expression "Why would I?" she said, he looked at her, his brown eyes told her he was annoyed, the boy didn't bother to respond, he just looked at her and then went back to scribble whatever he was before the conversation.
'I miss my school ' she thought as she identified all of the runes alone.
As soon as the lesson finished she made sure to quickly go away, scoffing lightly at the boy's behavior.
Her next period was 'History of magic', held by professor Binns, a ghost teacher, Isa noticed that both Ravencalws and Griffindors were mostly asleep, she took notes and listed attentively, next to her was a wavy haired girl, a beautiful one who was also taking notes. The hour passed quickly and when it finished she asked the girl the way to the Great Hall.
"Of course, we could go together" she suggested and Isadora was glad.
She learned her name was Hermione Granger and she seemed smart, smarter than everyone she had met, they ended up talking about muggle books and decided to meet up in the library after dinner.
During lunch she sat with Luna, who told her about her morning, after she was finished Estelle wondered if her friend could tell her why the boy from earlier was so... silent.
"Luna, do you know who is Riddle?" she said as she was eating pasta
"You don't know who Mattheo Riddle is?" she whisper-yelled
"Why is he a celebrity?"
"Well he is You Know Who's son" she whispered
Isadora almost choked on her delicious food. She thought of her father, he fought during the First Wizarding War, flew all the way to England, joined 'The Order of the Phoenix' while she had just been born, he had been killed by the Dark Lord after just a few months there. Her mother always told her how intelligent her dad was.
"As in that You Know Who? The One Who Must Not Be Named?" she then said, her friend nodded
"Why?"
"I was paired with him and he wouldn't talk to me"
"He's not the one you want to talk to" Luna said "He's arrogant and aggressive" she then added, still whispering.
From there she could see him, surrounded by people who were talking and yelling, next to him was the platinum blonde from last night who was yelling and laughing with someone, Mattheo seemed a stone, he looked annoyed and he wasn't eating much, his eyes now unexpressive.
Gods only knew what he was thinking.
On the afternoon Herbology was her only lesson, she happily walked to the Greenhouses, professor Sprout taught Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs about magical plants in the forests, next to her was a red haired girl named Susan Bones, she asked to parter to plant Barnacle Trees seeds, she agreed.
The two had fun, they took everything slowly and talked instead of doing the work most of the time, but that was okay, Susan was sweet, she liked comic books and music and was very gentle.
Two hours passed quickly and after saying goodbye Isadora found her way to the library. It was amazing, everything she had ever dreamed, section after section, everything was filled with old books and occasionally some armchairs and tables.
She sat on a brown leathered chair and started reading her book, everything was silent and still, her book was great, outside a light rain had taken over the sun. She stayed there until dinner.
Dinner was probably the best meal at Hogwarts, the tables were full of students, all chatty and happy, like Isa and Luna, talking about everything and nothing while eating.
After dinner she went to the library again, Hermione followed soon after with a book, 'Wuthering Heights', it had been just to show her, but they ended up reading it together, it seemed like a great read.
Days followed and she understood a few things, like to always do Snape's homework for Potions, to always study ahead, to never talk too much with professor Cooman, or else she would've noticed you and never stop talking to you, to never believe Fred or George and that apparently she had the right face to be paired with Mattheo Riddle for basically every lesson they had together.
Luna said it was because no one wanted to be his parter last year since he always gets into fights, another thing she understood, so now she was stuck with him.
Estelle also missed her family, her friends, Emma who always read romance books, Giulia, the best in Numerology, Elisa who had expressive blue eyes and a passion for writing, Leo who helped her with her first heartbreak and Erica who was the best Healer in her class. She wrote them letters and they had all responded, sometimes at night she shed a tear or two, thinking that maybe this wasn't the place for her.
∘◦❁◦∘
September flew by and so did October, during the last week of that month she had been paired with a Slytherin girl named Pansy for Potions class, they had decided to meet at the serpent's common room to work together.
Isadora wasn't happy to go there, the thought of meeting Riddle made her blood boil, he reminded her of the childhood she could've had, even though she did know it wasn't actually his fault.
The room was dark and cold, it had two green sofas facing each other and a few candles, she opened the door and found Riddle with his group, next to him was the blue eyed, then the platinum guy and then her Potions partner, then a couple of other guys she hadn't seen before.
"Hi" Pansy smiled greeting her, her hair was black and short, she had bangs and beautiful green eyes
"Hi" Isa smiled back
The black haired girl said they would've worked in her dorm and the Italian was glad. As they were walking she heard Mattheo whisper "Why is she always where I am" and it infuriated her.
She had been friendly with him and he didn't say anything, she ignored him and it still annoyed him, he didn't have the right to be the annoyed one.
"That's what I always think too" she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear, she heard him get up but then she entered Pansy's room.
The space was beautiful, posters from different alternative rock bands were hanging, immediately she recognized "Radiohead" and "The Cranberries" two groups she loved as well. Then she saw a fanity full of make up, glittery make up, a black satin dress was disposed on a mannequin and then a tall library had school books and some stuff for potions.
"Sorry for the mess" she said as she got the book they need
"No worries, I love it"
"Really?"
Isadora nodded "I love Radiohead and The Cranberries too, and I love make up too"
"Then you must come to the Slytherin parties!" Pansy said as they sat on her bed.
Isadora had never been invited to a party, she had heard about the Slytherin parties from Luna, who wasn't a fan.
"We'll have one this Saturday" she continued "We could get ready together!"
Estelle was happy. "Of course" she smiled "I would be thrilled"
Hours passed like minutes, they got the work done easily and Pansy told her about her crush on the platinum blonde, who's name was Draco and about her and Astoria's shopping obsession, Isadora told her about a guy she was seeing back home and about how he got mad when she told him about transferring so they broke up.
Pansy told her that there were a lot of guys at Hogwarts that were for sure better looking than that guy and it made Isadora laugh.
"Like who?"
"Well Theodore is cute"
"Who's Theodore?"
"The one with curly hair and blue eyes that was next to me when you arrived"
"Oh right, he's not my type"
"Well we have Cedric from Hufflepuff, Enzo, another one of my friends, I don't think Mattheo's a good option"
"Why?" she asked, just for the sake of gossip
"He has a habit of getting into fights easily and he's really closed off you know"
Isadora nodded understanding, Pansy and her ended up going to dinner together, only parting ways to go to their tables.
Luna was happy to see her friend talking to someone else, and listed to Estelle talking about her day.
≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺
Heyyy, I had SO much fun writing this, I'm doing a series for it but i'm not sure how many part will be there. Also I'm sorry for spelling mistakes or grammar mistakes but English isn't my first language
Lucy isn't the most noticeable student at Hogwarts, but she still has a large circle of friends from completely different houses, years, other schools of magic and witchcraft, and even from the Muggle world.
Having spent her entire childhood in Italy, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in the city of Bari, water became an essential part of the little girl's life. And of course, the stars. Sitting on the balcony of her room on summer nights, looking through a telescope, was something of a hobby for Lucy from the age of six. So words couldn't describe her joy when her older sister, Natalie, told her that Hogwarts had Astronomy lessons and an Astronomy Tower. The little girl's dreams were filled with the thought of being sorted into Ravenclaw. In 1987, when a large number of Muggles found themselves at the center of magical events during a party at a local London club, Lucy's father, who was one of the best Obliviators, had to move the whole family to London. And so, their mansion in Italy remained in the hands of house-elves, a few relatives, and grandmother, Concetta.
Present day. Fifteen-year-old Lucy is resting in the Ravenclaw dormitory room, unpacking her things from her suitcase and bag, inhaling the scent of fresh pastel bedding. Taking a small velvet pouch from her bag, she pulls out a gold chain engraved with her full name, "Lucy Concetta Ardern" — a gift from her mother for the new school year. Her sister had a similar one, so having a chain with her own name was also a little dream of Lucy's. Beside her sat her roommates, unpacking their things and laughing at the effects of the sound-producing sweets they'd bought on the train. One of them, Laura Raven Gars, had been Lucy's friend since first year, and Lucy simply called her Laura. They spent all their time together. Even in the summer, relaxing at the Ardern estate in Italy.
"Hey, why the long face?" Laura giggled, sitting down next to her friend and putting an arm around her shoulders.
"Huh? How can I not be down, knowing that some frilly woman in pink is going to be watching our every move? I don't just have a long face, I feel like hanging myself."
"Oh, you mean that... what's her name? Right, Umbridge. Yeah, fuck her. I'm not going to 'obey' her. My poor Harry... he's already stressed out over the false accusations. And now this fool is going to be following him around." The girl sighed and then her gaze fell upon the ring on her middle finger, which she'd bought on the train today. "I need to test my new ring on that toad. I still think that conductor was lying about it being magical..." Laura mumbled, examining the silver ring.
"I told you! She sounded way too unconvincing," exclaimed Aubrey, the third roommate, flopping onto the bed and holding her stomach after two slices of cake, several pastries, and two duck legs, somehow remaining slim.
After that, the three friends immediately headed outside to breathe in the night air before curfew, watch their classmates, or have some fun at the first-years' expense. Sitting comfortably under a willow tree, Lucy, Laura, and Aubrey pulled out their wands and waited for the right moment to play some harmless pranks on the younger students. But Lucy's eyes immediately fell on a group of Slytherins: Blaise Zabini, Lorenzo Berkshire, Theodore Nott, Mattheo Riddle, Draco Malfoy, and Pansy Parkinson. Theo, in particular, was one of the students Lucy occasionally talked to. At least for the first three years at Hogwarts. Their close friendship had broken off due to the events at the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, when rumors started circulating about the return of the Dark Lord.
Since childhood, Theo and Lucy had spent time together, since they both lived in Italy and quite close to each other. The barrier wasn't created by them, but by the Ardern parents, who were among the families that believed Harry Potter's words, and were worried about Lucy's life and that she might also join the ranks of the Death Eaters like her best friend.
Her gaze slid from Theo to Mattheo. He used to visit Nott in Italy during the summer, so Lucy had to interact with him too, but it always ended in a fight or a serious argument. They had always hated each other, but the events of the fourth year cemented their hatred. Lucy's gaze practically incinerated Riddle, but Laura timely caught her attention.
"Hey, Con, hello? Earth to Lucy!" The girl snapped her fingers three times in front of her eyes.
The moment she even used that form of Lucy's name, Mattheo's cold, dark eyes shot towards the Ravenclaw girls.
"Huh? I'm here!" Lucy immediately responded, looking away from the Slytherin group.
The girls spent the rest of the time just chatting, pranking only a couple of first-years and getting a reprimand from McGonagall afterwards, but luckily she didn't take any points.
Back in the common room, and then their dorm, Laura teased Lucy about the eye contact with Riddle, reminding her friend that he was a descendant of You-Know-Who.
"Thanks, I'm aware. Can we go to sleep now?" Lucy asked grumpily, already changed into her pajamas and glaring at Gars.
"No, because I'm not done yet! Aubrey, tell this idiot that her and Matteo's staring contest is getting on everyone's nerves."
"Well... why not? I think he and Lucy look great together," replied the brunette, brushing her shoulder-length hair in front of a large bronze mirror.
"Are you both insane?! I've hated him since childhood. He's just disgusting! Have you forgotten that he's, like, dangerous?! Why does Dumbledore allow him to be at school, knowing the Dark Lord has returned?"
But the girls weren't listening, hugging each other and making kissing noises.
"Oh yes, darling, mmm, yes..." Gars said in a low voice, imitating Matteo.
"Oh, Matteo... mm, yes..." Aubrey imitated Lucy's voice, making it squeakier.
"Oh no, fuck off."
Ardern drew the curtains of her bed and dove under the covers, covering her ears with pillows and praying that the girls would stop this circus soon.
With these thoughts, she fell asleep, leaving her roommates giggling and discussing the Gryffindor boys who had already managed to knock over some armor in the Hogwarts corridor on the very first day.
The next autumn morning, in the noisy but cozy Great Hall, Lucy sat at the Ravenclaw table, writing in her diary about a dream that haunted her once a month, on the same date.
Lucy is about five years old, wearing a one-piece swimsuit with sea turtles, her curly hair braided into two little pigtails. Her parents, Natalie, Walter, and a few other "magical" families have gone to Greece to enjoy the water in Giola Lagoon. While the fathers swim with the children, and the mothers keep an eye on the younger kids and sunbathe, little Lucy runs to the edge of the various rock formations separating the lagoon from the Aegean Sea. Her attention is caught by a shiny object hiding in the blue waves. Leaning forward, she falls into the sea, accompanied by large splashes of water. Lost and disoriented, panic overcomes the girl as she desperately tries to escape this boundless space. She knows how to swim, so she soon reaches the water's surface. But long, cold fingers of some unknown unclean thing begin to wrap around her little ankle. Then the other, starting to pull her down, dragging Lucy away from any chance of rescue. She's out of air, so she tries to be stronger than the creatures to swim to shore as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, her peace and thoughts were interrupted by Harry, who sat down with her, Laura, and Aubrey.
"Raven, how about Hogsmeade after Quidditch practice?" He wiggled his eyebrows, smirking slightly.
"Nope, not today. The girls and I have our own plans," the girl stood up from the bench, grabbed her bag, and headed towards the exit of the Great Hall.
"Oh, come on! What plans? You're in the same room together every day!" Harry hurried after her, waving his arms in bewilderment.
Aubrey sighed, propping her chin up with one hand and poking her fried egg with a fork with the other.
"Lucky... idiots."
The weather turned bad closer to the break after Transfiguration. The wind picked up fallen autumn leaves, swirling them into a vortex, as Lucy and Raven walked through the Hogwarts corridors towards the library. Hearing the quick, clicking footsteps of heels behind them, they saw that small pink blotch, making remarks to practically everyone or using her wand to adjust students' uniforms. Lucy's friend, who didn't much like the official look, preferring her shirt untucked from her skirt, a loose tie, and a few badges on her robe, wasn't spared either. With a wave of her hand, Dolores Umbridge made her appearance neat, smiling innocently but disgustingly, and continued on her way.
"Hey! What the hell?!" The girl immediately started shouting, waving her arms and looking in horror to see if that toad had incinerated her beloved badges.
"Ugh, she's so disgusting. First at the Ministry, she says Harry is guilty, and now she's turning our whole school into a pri—"
Lucy didn't get to finish her opinion about the new professor because she bumped into someone upon entering the vast library.
Opening her eyes, she first saw Slytherin robes. She definitely didn't need to guess to know that the guy was Mattheo.
regulus black x isabella fawley (reader, oc fem, whatever).
summary: a slytherin and a ravenclaw forced to marry and start a family to preserve pure blood, but who decide to love each other and choose each other until the end of their days.
Warnings: arranged marriage!, sex!, regulus being a proud purist, death eater and idiot, sexism, discrimination based on blood, english is not my first language, and I don't know what else.
From the moment her father, George Fawley, expressly asked her to return home for the Christmas holidays of 1978 because they were to spend the festivities with the Black family, Isabella should have suspected that something was wrong.
She should have thrown herself off the moving train.
Why would they spend Christmas with the Blacks? She knew her father maintained a cordial relationship with Orion, but she did not believe they were close enough to share such an intimate occasion.
Nothing made sense. And yet, there she was: seated at the long table of the Black family, wrapped in a burgundy satin gown whose crossed neckline left her shoulders bare and delicately traced the curve of her collarbone.
To her left sat her father. His smile was pleasant, but forced; Isabella knew those expressions far too well. As he conversed with Orion Black — seated at the head of the table — he kept his posture upright and rigid, a tension barely perceptible to anyone who did not know how to observe carefully. But she saw it.
To her right was her mother, Collette, with her usual pale and weary countenance. Illness had robbed her even of the energy to pretend. Walburga Black, seated opposite her, spoke with restrained enthusiasm; Collette, in contrast, merely nodded in silence, as though every gesture required measured effort.
Across from Isabella sat Regulus Black. His black curls, strategically disheveled, contrasted with the impeccable neatness of his dark suit. His gray eyes were fixed on his father, and the faint curve of his smile formed that distant yet unsettlingly attractive expression so typical of the Blacks. Unlike Mr. Fawley, he seemed genuinely interested in every word Orion uttered.
Isabella’s gaze drifted to the other end of the table, where a chair remained empty at the opposite head. She knew at once that it would have been the seat of the eldest brother, Sirius Black, had he not run away months before.
She could not help but think that, with him present, the evening would have been considerably less unbearable.
— You will excuse us. George and I must discuss an important matter.
Both patriarchs rose almost simultaneously and made their way to a more private space: Orion’s office.
An uncomfortable feeling settled in Isabella’s chest. It intensified when she noticed the complicit smile Walburga shared with her husband before he disappeared down the corridor, and the way her mother lowered her gaze in resignation.
Then it happened.
Her eyes met Regulus’s. The young Black winked at her with deliberate calm, as though he relished her confusion.
And in that instant, Isabella understood: everyone knew something she did not... and something told her it was not good.
Fawley regarded him attentively; in one way or another, he had already guessed what that “small inconvenience” was.
— Walburga and I are more than satisfied with the engagement between Regulus and Isabella — Orion said as he poured a measure of whisky into George’s glass — but there is a small inconvenience I would like to discuss with you so that you may resolve it.
— Our niece Narcissa has informed us that, at Hogwarts, Isabella does not associate with people of our standing. In fact, she has told us that she keeps company with Muggle-borns — Orion watched him over the rim of his glass, expectant —. You understand, George, that Regulus is a highly sought-after young man: pure-blood, member of one of the most ancient and noble families. His friendships are exclusively with those of his own rank.
Mr. Fawley could not help but roll his eyes inwardly.
— I understand, Orion. But I can assure you these are nothing more than rumors or misunderstandings. Isabella is perfectly aware of the values with which she has been raised. Perhaps Narcissa mistook a simple act of courtesy for friendship.
George took a drag from his cigarette before adding the following, aware that his words might jeopardize the engagement, yet determined to temper a Black’s pride:
— Isabella is not like your eldest son, Sirius, who, if I recall correctly, abandoned this home and is now said to be living with the Potters, known traitors.
Orion’s jaw tightened.
— What guarantees me that Regulus does not secretly follow the same beliefs as his brother? That he will not endanger my Isabella? We both know a war is approaching, and I doubt traitors will fare well.
George allowed himself a measured smile as he noticed Orion shifting uncomfortably at the mention of his firstborn.
— The matter of Sirius is still too recent for us — Orion said in a restrained voice —. I would appreciate it if you did not mention him in front of Walburga.
George sensed in his tone something more than irritation: an open wound, poorly concealed beneath pride. And he chose to press, subtly.
— I understand, Orion. Sometimes our children slip through our fingers, and bad influences lead them astray from the proper path. That is why Collette and I wish to support you at this time. And what better way than a wedding between two great families to leave this… misfortune behind.
Orion held his gaze for several seconds before nodding, visibly satisfied by those words that restored — at least in appearance — the balance.
— I agree.
He took the whisky bottle and poured again into both glasses, this time with a more decisive gesture.
— Let us drink to the union of our children… and to the heirs who will come.
George raised his glass with a perfectly rehearsed smile. As he felt the bitter liquid slide down his throat, he also felt guilt settling heavily in his stomach.
Regulus, for his part, had excused himself from the table, claiming he was going to the bathroom. For several minutes, Isabella suppressed the urge to follow him and demand an explanation… until she could no longer resist.
Isabella felt the minutes spent within that office stretch into hours. She remained silent whilst Walburga and Collette continued discussing matters that did not merit her attention.
She rose, claiming she needed some air, and despite her mother’s silent look — a mute plea not to leave her alone with Walburga — she made her way into the corridor.
As she passed the bathroom, she confirmed he was not there. She frowned slightly, but continued on.
She eventually reached a spacious drawing room where an enormous tapestry covered the main wall, depicting what appeared to be the Black family tree. By the window, a cigarette held between his fingers and his gaze fixed upon the darkness outside, stood Regulus.
Isabella stopped a few steps away from him, saying nothing.
She had never spoken to Regulus before. She knew him as all of Hogwarts did: an outspoken purist, popular with the girls, intelligent, a member of the Quidditch team, part of Barty Crouch Jr.’s circle along with Evan Rosier and other Slytherins of questionable reputation. Not to mention, of course, his family… and his infamous brother, Sirius.
Isabella, though she belonged to one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families, did not share those purist ideals. Nor did her parents truly; it was all a carefully maintained performance to preserve their status.
She was not particularly famous at Hogwarts. She had her friends, did not quarrel with anyone, earned good marks, and had the occasional suitor lingering about. But she did not stand out scandalously, nor did she wish to. She was comfortable in her discretion.
— Are you lost? — Regulus’s deep voice broke the silence.
He had not moved from the window, but his body was now slightly turned towards her, and his grey eyes regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and restrained amusement.
— No. I only wanted to ask whether you know the reason my parents and I are here — Isabella replied, her tone calm and her back perfectly straight.
Regulus curved his lips into a crooked smile as he exhaled smoke.
— You truly don’t know anything?
— Should I?
He gave a brief, nasal laugh.
— For a Ravenclaw, you’re rather slow.
The sting of offence was immediate, though she did not allow it to show fully upon her face.
— Want one? — he asked, extending the cigarette carelessly, as though the conversation bore no weight at all.
— No, thank you. I dislike the smell.
Regulus laughed again. He crushed the cigarette against the window frame and let it fall into the street below.
— Well… you’ll have to get used to it.
He walked past her with deliberate closeness — near enough for Isabella to catch the faint scent of smoke and dark cologne.
When they returned to the table, George and Orion were already there.
— Come along — he added, a sardonic half-smile tugging at his lips. — They’re likely about to deliver the long-awaited announcement.
— Where have you two been? — Black asked, eyeing his son with suspicion.
— I was showing Miss Fawley the house — Regulus replied in that falsely pleasant tone of his.
— It’s beautiful, isn’t it, Isabella? — Walburga remarked, looking at her directly.
Beautiful was not precisely how the Ravenclaw would have described the Black house. Although the entire structure was aristocratic in style and filled with ancient objects, dark tones prevailed — blacks and deep greens. The curtains covering the windows were heavy and black, allowing scarcely any light to enter.
She might even say it was rather unsettling to imagine the house in the dead of night, with no candles lit.
The light-brown-haired girl offered the matriarch a polite smile and nodded; she was not adept at lying with words. Beside her, Regulus let out a quiet laugh, noticing Isabella’s pretence.
— After speaking with George, we have decided to finalise the agreement we have been discussing for quite some time — Orion announced.
Isabella sat up straight; at last, she would discover the cause of the evening’s underlying tension.
— Isabella and Regulus will unite our two families through marriage. We have decided the wedding shall take place once they have completed their seventh year.
Fawley felt a chill run the length of her body. Was she truly going to marry Regulus Black? Had her parents been arranging her marriage without telling her — without asking her opinion or even allowing her to choose whom she would marry?
A bitter taste settled in her mouth and then sank to her stomach; she thought she might be sick. She looked at each person in the room: her father stood stern, watching her intently, and she felt as though he were urging her to compose herself; Orion wore a peculiar smile, though his gaze rested upon his son; Walburga observed Isabella with evident disapproval at her lack of reaction; her mother regarded her with pity, and when their eyes met, she lowered her gaze.
Finally, Isabella looked at Regulus — and he was already watching her.
A faintly amused smile lingered on his face, as though he were taking pleasure in the pallor of his now fiancée. And as if that were not enough — as though he required further amusement — the dark-haired boy slipped his hand into his trouser pocket and withdrew a small black velvet box. He opened it, revealing a ring: the band appeared to be white gold, and at its centre stood a round-cut solitaire diamond, held aloft by delicate claws.
Regulus removed the ring from the box and gently took Isabella’s left hand — cold in contrast to his warm one — and slid the ring onto her ring finger.
Unable to restrain herself, her eyes filled with tears, and a single drop fell, landing upon Regulus’s hand. The young man’s smug smile faltered slightly when he noticed. He turned towards the adults, who were watching expectantly, and in a firm tone said:
— Would you mind leaving us alone?
Orion and Walburga were the first to leave, followed by George. When Collette rose and passed by her daughter, she paused, brushed away her tears, and softly called:
— Bella…
But Isabella neither answered nor looked at her. Collette sighed and departed.
When they were finally alone, Regulus approached the table and poured wine into two glasses with deliberate calm, as though nothing extraordinary had just taken place.
— Come now, Fawley, no one has died — he said, holding one of the glasses out to her. When she did not react, he arched an eyebrow. — You don’t smoke, and you don’t drink either? Well… what an exemplary fiancée I’ve been given.
The mockery was unmistakable.
— Don’t call me that — Isabella managed at last, her voice steadier than she felt.
— And what should I call you? — he replied, tilting his head slightly. — It’s what you are now.
— No. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. We cannot get married.
She wiped her tears away quickly, annoyed with herself for letting them fall, and stepped closer to him.
— Speak to them. Tell them they cannot do this. Make something up… say you don’t like me, that you find me unattractive, anything.
Regulus let out a short, almost disbelieving laugh.
— First, what makes you think they would obey me? I found out a few weeks ago, but this has likely been in motion for months. Second, if they don’t marry you to me, they’ll marry you to another pure-blood. And we both know the remaining options aren’t exactly desirable…
A few surnames crossed Isabella’s mind — Lestrange, Crouch — each accompanied by less than reassuring reputations.
— And third — Regulus added, stepping close enough to invade her space — I would be lying if I said I found you unattractive.
Isabella moved back, unsettled. He was hardly unpleasant to look at himself; in fact, like Sirius, he was infuriatingly handsome.
— I’m a blood traitor — she declared suddenly.
Regulus regarded her with renewed interest.
— I know. I’ve seen you more than once associating with Mudbloods — he replied without hesitation. — But those are… inclinations that can be corrected.
— I have no intention of changing. Neither you nor anyone else will force me to. So you can tell them you refuse to marry a traitor, and that settles it.
— Enough, Fawley. The engagement has already been decided. And in case you weren’t aware, it was your parents who insisted most strongly.
The remark ran through her like another chill. Why would they be so eager to be rid of her?
— And as for the rest — he continued coolly — I lived for years with a traitor. I know his idiotic ideas well enough. I suppose I can tolerate another.
The calculated disdain in his tone hollowed something inside her.
Isabella sank into a chair, defeated. She stared at the ring now adorning her finger — too bright, too final — and then at the glass he had offered her. This time, she took it without hesitation and drained it in a single swallow.
Summary: Despite attending Hogwarts for five years now, Lorenzo had never heard nor seen you at all. A few glances are sent from Lorenzo at breakfast when he decides he wants to strike a conversation, breaking the silence between the two of you, and build a friendship. Problem is, he can’t seem to have the courage to muster up a simple “hello”. He follows you around, observing your every move, he’s becomes obsessed with just the near thought of you.
———-———-———-———-———-———-———-———-———
It was the week after Holiday break when the first breakfast of the semester was held at 7:30AM. Lorenzo and Blaise came through the doors, stomping their leather shoes against the concrete flooring. Professor Snape was giving a toast to a new semester, and the same expectations, when all of a sudden he was cut short from the opening of the double doors just across the room. Everyone shoots their gaze towards the back and see you, standing there awkward and embarrassed as ever. A group of Slytherins can’t help but laugh at you, as well as a few others scattered across every house. You make your way towards Ravenclaw table and sit by Luna Lovegood and continue a conversation that you both had left off of just before you left for break. Everything seems to be going normally, you’re eating breakfast, conversing amongst your friends, but from Lorenzo’s point of view, everything seems to have shifted.
———-———-———-———-———-———-
Lorenzo wouldn’t deny himself that he had never found women beautiful, but for him to find a man just as captivating? He was lost. It wasn’t just your beauty that intrigued him, it was your mannerisms, the way you held yourself. he needed to know more.
———-———-———-———-———-———-
After breakfast a couple of your friends had gathered up in the common room just before classes were beginning, you got used to the peace and quiet of your home, and you weren’t ready to socialize just yet, at least for now. You gathered your things and told Luna you would meet her in class, just as you were walking away from the commons, you felt another presence in the air. You turned around to the sight of no one, and decided to ignore it. You continued to walk to class, but the silence felt as if it was creeping up on you.. shivers went up your spine and goosebumps spread across your body. You turned around, no one.
———-———-———-———-———-———-
Just as you entered your class, Lorenzo stopped following you. He found a private area to get out of his invisibility cloak, and stayed there, in silence, thinking of you. The scent that trailed behind as you walked, the curl in your hair, the slightest of light ombré, the mark on your neck, the way you held your bag to your side as if you were expecting a burglar to come and swipe it right off of you, the way you twiddled your fingers as some sort of habit, every small detail.. he memorized. It was unusual for him to be so invested in another person, and the fact you’re a guy was still baffling him. How could someone be so perfect? Your face perfectly symmetrical, your lips a hint of rose mixed with brown, your skin clear. Lorenzo made his way to class and tried his best not to have the image of you constantly flickering in his mind, but it was just too difficult. He spent all day dreaming of you, what you were wearing, what style you had your hair in, he still remembered your scent, as if it was lingering in the air. That night he dreamed of you, near the water under the sheltering of forest trees, the light shining on your body, the way the rays went across your face. He woke up in a sweat, still, the image of only you. He wasn’t just intrigued, he was obsessed.
The night has not passed, and Lorenzo can’t seem to fall back asleep. He wonders if you’d be up for a chat in the middle of the night, but he clearly snaps out of that delusion. Hours pass, and Lorenzo can think of nothing but you in a robe, under the moonlight.. slowly undressin- he stops his wondering mind. Since his body seems to reject sleep, the only thing he can think of is seeing you, now.
Lorenzo sneaks out of his dorm, out the common room, and into the hall. He makes his way out into the night, and sneaks out a broom from the quidditch tents. Flying through the windows of the Ravenclaw dorms, he searches for your face. Gliding through the night breeze, Lorenzo comes to a halt just outside your window, your face glistening under the shine of the stars and moon caught his attention swiftly. He makes his way towards the windowsill, hops off his broom, and just admires you from outside. Your scent stronger than before, your body just a few feet away, your touch almost in reach. The problem? there’s a barrier of glass in between you and him. Being so close drives him crazy, not being able to feel you makes him go mad.. his obsession grew stronger and stronger. He spent the rest of the night outside your window, just laying his eyes on you gave him enough energy. When morning came he waited patiently at your door under the disguise of his invisibility cloak
———-———-———-———-———-———-
Morning comes and another day if classes dawns upon you, as much as you love high scores, something in you yearns for an extra 13 hours of sleep. After putting yourself together, you make your way towards the door when you feel that uneasy sensation from yesterday.. you dare not even do so much as touch the door let alone the handle. Your mind began making up excuses but you knew it was no coincidence. Your roommates make their way past you and out the door, and you come to the realization that no one was there, but you still feel it, as the door swung open you felt the sensation grow stronger. As if it was right in your face. You managed to muster up enough courage to make it out the door, but you were running late because even the act of taking a step forward took you a whole ten minutes. Sprinting down the halls you can’t help but wonder what was creeping up on you, and why it was doing it- never mind that, you’re running late on the second day of the new semester!
———-———-———-———-———-———-Just as you made it to class, the slightest bit of sweat forming on your forehead, you manage to embarrass yourself once again. Professor Sinistra shoots an unpleased glare right at you, and orders you to take your seat next to Fred Weasley. It just so happens that Lorenzo makes it into class not that later than you, of course you knew of Lorenzo, who he was, what he looked like, but this whole new look of his really caught your eye. A few minutes in, and you find yourself making constant glances towards Lorenzo, when finally you catch him glancing at you. A wave of embarrassment comes across your entire body, and you avert your gaze elsewhere, hoping he didn’t see the flustered state you were in. You try to make another sneak peek, but he’s stilling looking your way, eyes locked on you. You met his gaze with a sense of satisfaction, you stared into each other eyes. Time seemed to pass by, and your eyes stayed lock, your looks intertwining, your gaze full of curiosity and wonder.. his? Pure hunger. He craved your touch, he wanted to feel your skin against his, his head between your thighs, his hands wanted nothing more than to explore your body, he needs to hear your voice, hear you whisper his name, hear you yell his name, to touch your lips would be nothing but a luxury, but to kiss them with an aggressive passion would make him feel full.
Class is dismissed, and you gathered your things faster than everyone. Just as you were about to leave, a hand gently grabs your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.
You turn around to see Lorenzo, his eyes fixated of your lips.
| y/n!! : “oh, hey Lorenzo. Do you need something”
| Lorenzo: “oh nothing, maybe.. just your name?”
| y/n!! : “we’ve been classmates for five years, you don’t know my name?”
You reply, teasing him. Although your conversation is shirt, you notice that there’s a slight hesitation in Lorenzo’s words. His body is vibrating, as if he’s caught a cold. Although you never spoke, you weren’t just going to let this conversation go by without asking if he’s okay or not.
| y/n!! : “Hey, uhm.. are you alright? You’re shivering!”
Out of habit, you reach for his forehead with the back of your hand, switching to the front. Not moments later you catch yourself in a state of embarrassment, you haven’t known this man, let alone spoke to him in the entire years you’ve been classmates and you’re already lying your palm on his face? The literal nerve.
Lorenzo switches his gaze from your lips to your eyes, waiting a few moments before speaking
| Lorenzo: “well.. didn’t know we were touching each other, maybe ask me out first?”
# His tone is cheeky, his lips curving into a grin. What he said makes you flustered, you scramble on your words trying to think of what to say, but the realization that you are almost late to yet another class hits you in the head like an anchor
| y/n!! : “oh merlin, i’m so sorry but i really have to get going, i can’t be late again!”
Without giving Lorenzo a chance to properly say goodbye, you rush out the door and into the hallway.
Lorenzo’s point of view~>
Just as class was dismissed, he noticed you were in a rush to leave for next class. Quickly as he could, he managed to catch you just before you were about to head straight out the door.
*insert previous conversation*
Your palm was on his head, your touch was just inches away from his lips, a few feet apart from each other he could practically smell your honey shampoo. He couldn’t move, his thoughts clouded, all he could think of was your face, the way your eyes widened slightly, your eye brows furrowed, his head was spinning with frustration. He wasn’t in denial anymore, he didn’t just like you, he needed you.
———-———-———-———-———-———-
The next day
———-———-———-———-———-———- Classes were over and the first weekend of the semester was here! You felt the need to socialize so you head to the common room where you meet Luna on her way out, you ask to join but she kindly decline, stating that your energy is too tense to be where she’s headed. You brushed it off, and decided to just take a day to yourself. Just as you were off to black lake, sketchbook in hand, Lorenzo bumps into you, taking your sketch book right our your hands.
| y/n!! : “hey! that’s mine, give it back-“
you froze, your words cut off. The sight of Berkshire made your mind just freeze, but only for a moment.
| y/n!! : “please, give me my sketchbook Lorenzo.”
| Lorenzo: “A sketch book, huh? I don’t know what all the fuss is about, i just wanna see what’s inside, pretty.”
| y/n!! : “my name is y/n, not pretty. Just please give it back”
Ignoring your wishes, Lorenzo opens up to right on a page of him. You had perfectly sketched his every feature, even took the time to add his beauty marks. You froze with humiliation, expecting him to be weirded out, but his entire mood shifted. The warmth you felt radiate from Lorenzo felt dimmer, almost familiar.. no, it was familiar. The feeling of darkness returned, it was bouncing off of Lorenzo’s very gaze towards you. You took a few steps back, slightly curious as well as scared. Lorenzo steps forward, his chest on yours, he leans down putting his lips on the ridge of your ears.
| Lorenzo: “god, you have no idea how insane you drive me..”
his voice low, and tender. He leans back with his eyes shooting stars into yours. He craved the touch of your lips, but he knew it was too soon. With hesitation, he walks away, your sketchbook still in his hands.
