Theodore brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled deeply, allowing the smoke to fill his lungs before blowing it out in a slow stream. His gaze drifted past Mattheo as a new thought occurred. "Have you heard about the latest addition to Slytherin house?" he questioned.

Mattheo's lip curled in derision. "It's bound to be just another useless girl," he began, but Theodore cut him off.

"They say she's easy on the eyes." Theodore's eyes gleamed with mischief, curious what effect his words might have on his friend.

Before Mattheo could respond, movement at the doorway caught their attention. You swept into the room with a poise and self-awareness. Theodore's smile turned smug, while Draco and Lorenzo leaned forward with open interest.

Mattheo found his voice once more, though it came out rougher than intended. "Perhaps I spoke too soon..."

Theodore chuckled low in his throat, taking another draw on his cigarette. Game on.

—

The first year she made friends with everyone in all houses, being the sweetest girl anyone would meet. She was particularly friends with Cedric in Hufflepuff and the golden trio. No one had a problem with it, except the serpentines, the Slytherin boys. She eventually became friends with them, slowly leaving behind the other houses. By seventh year, no one would recognise her, if you saw old pictures, you wouldn’t believe they were the same person. Her looks weren’t the only thing that had changed. Sure, she had her rare moments of weakness, cuddling and personal, but she had turned into a bitch. No sugar coating it. There were times when the boys allowed the clinginess, encouraged it; but most of the time, they told you to get a grip, grow up, so you did.