Theodore Nott. 4

Hogwarts, sixth year. Slytherin common room.

Celine Elodie Rosier, a petite witch with blue hair and sweet eyes, had been trying for ten minutes to get her boyfriend Tom Riddle's attention. He, seated in a velvet armchair, was reading peacefully, completely ignoring the girl who was snuggled up beside him.

—Tommy, will you hug me? —Celine asked, opening her arms.

—Not now, Celine. Can't you see I'm busy?

—But it's been so long since you hugged me…

—My God, you're so annoying.

Celine lowered her arms, embarrassed. However, a few minutes later, she tried again, resting her head on Tom's shoulder.

—What if I stay like this? I won't bother you, I promise.

Tom abruptly stepped back.

—Can you stop needing my attention every second?

From the sofa opposite, Theodore Nott watched silently. He had been in love with Celine for months, and seeing her go to such lengths to receive a little affection made his stomach churn.

Beside him, Matheo Riddle, Tom's brother, closed the book he was pretending to read.

"Your brother is an idiot," Theodore muttered.

Matheo raised an eyebrow.

"He's my brother, Nott. I'm supposed to defend him."

—Well, do it. Let's see if you can explain why he treats his girlfriend like that.

Matheo looked at Celine, who was now trying to take Tom's hand.

—Tommy, can I have a little kiss?

—Celine, stop it. Don't be childish.

—Only one…

—I said no!

The girl immediately withdrew her hand, her eyes shining with tears.

Matheo stopped smiling. He knew his brother's character perfectly well, but this was too much.

He looked at Theodore and noticed how he was clenching his fists, holding himself back from getting up.

"Why don't you do something?" Matheo asked in a low voice.

Theodore let out a bitter laugh.

—Because she loves him.

-And you?

—I love her enough not to force her to love me.

Matheo remained silent.

Meanwhile, Celine approached Tom again, timidly asking him