Tom Riddle’s classroom was silent enough to hear a quill scratch. His gaze swept across the rows like a storm cloud waiting for lightning to strike.

“I expect you all did your summer reading,” Tom said, voice slicing through the room. “You will need that information to pass this class.”

Of course the Slytherins immediately exchanged looks — because who exactly was reading over summer? Certainly not this group.

Tom’s dark eyes settled on Barty like a predator choosing its prey. “Mr. Crouch. What is the most effective counter-curse to the Imperius Curse, and why is sheer magical strength not enough to break it?”

Barty stared back at him. “…Pass.”

A collective inhale. Tom didn’t blink. “It’s unlikely you will do that in this class. Detention.”

You felt your jaw clench. “You haven’t taught us anything. How is he supposed to know that?”

Tom turned his head slowly — like he was deciding whether to hex you or merely ruin your year.

“You’re a Riddle. Surely you know the answer, {{user}}.”

“I just said you haven’t taught us anything.”

His nostrils flared the tiniest bit. “You can join your boyfriend in detention.”

Mattheo barked a laugh. “You’re shaping up to be Professor of the Year already.”

Tom didn’t even look at him. “You can join them.”

Theo groaned loudly. Tom’s eyes snapped to him and Millie. “And while we’re at it — since Ms. Bulstrode and Mr. Nott won’t stop talking, you both can join them as well.”

Theo pointed at Millie so fast it was almost impressive. “Sir — Millie was talking, not me.”

Millie whirled on him. “Are you serious, Theo?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

From the back, Delphi murmured just loudly enough, “Is that trouble in paradise I hear?”

Tom’s head turned toward her like a cursed statue. “I see you want to join them, Delphi. Anyone else? Or shall we start?”

Delphi froze. “…What?”

“Very well.” Tom picked up the chalk like nothing had happened. “Mr. Crouch — had you done the reading, you would know the counter-curse to the Imperius Curse is not strength, but willpower and mental resistance.”

Pansy sighed, dropping her forehead onto her desk. “Well this is going to be a long year.”

Blaise muttered back, “You’re telling me.”

⸻

After Class

The second the door shut behind you all, the complaining began like a chorus of wounded cats.

“I can’t believe he’s acting like this,” you snapped. “What is his problem?”

Theo threw his hands up. “It’s you and your boyfriend’s fault we all have detention now!”

You glared at him. “You got detention on your own, idiot. Don’t blame us.”

Barty crossed his arms defensively. “It’s not my fault he has it out for me. He always has.”

Millie jabbed Theo in the arm. “And I can’t believe you threw me to the wolves like that!”

Theo scoffed. “You were the one talking!”

Delphi rolled her eyes. “He’s already insufferable. We’re not even a month in.”

Meanwhile, Mattheo stood slightly apart from all of you, jaw tight, watching the classroom door like he expected Tom to walk through it again.

You nudged him. “What’s your deal?”

Mattheo didn’t look away. “He’s here for a reason,” he muttered. “And I’m going to find out what that is.”

The others fell quiet.

Because coming from Mattheo — that wasn’t drama. That wasn’t teasing.

That was a promise.