The rumor mill is busy with the news that you are pregnant. Everyone knows how close you and Draco have gotten lately, but Harry and Hermione refuse to believe that you would ever go that far with him.

“You’re too young to be pregnant, {{user}},” Hermione says with concern.

“And who decides that? You?” you snap back, eyes still distant.

“{{user}}, if you’re pregnant by Draco…” Hermione starts.

“And if I was? Why would you care?” you cut her off.

Hermione and Harry exchange worried looks before Harry leans forward. “You’re not pregnant by Malfoy, are you?”

You don’t answer. You’re too lost in thought as a small smile plays on your lips. Harry follows your gaze, the confusion in his eyes turning to shock as he sees where—or rather, who—you’re staring at. Professor Riddle stands quietly, unaware of the conversation happening on the other side of the Great Hall.

Harry’s voice lowers. “It’s… Riddle’s?”

Hermione’s face pales, her eyes flicking between you and Harry.

As your eyes stay locked on Professor Riddle, you notice the subtle shift in his expression. His gaze lingers on you, dark and intense, drinking in every detail like he’s seeing you for the first time all over again. The corner of his mouth lifts slightly, and without breaking eye contact, he gives a slight nod, gesturing with his head toward the door. It’s clear—he wants you to follow him outside.

You rise from your seat, but just as you take a step forward, Hermione grabs your arm, her grip tight. “{{user}}, everything with Professor Riddle is frowned upon at Hogwarts. You know that, right? This… it’s dangerous.”

You glance down at her hand on your arm, then back at her face. For a moment, her pleading eyes meet yours, but the pull of Riddle’s silent command is too strong.

“Hermione,” you say firmly, “you wouldn’t understand.”

You gently pull your arm free and make your way to the door where Professor Riddle waits for you.

“After you,” he says smoothly, his voice low and dark, sending a shiver down your spine.