As I walk away, I can't shake the feeling of disappointment in myself. Why did I snap at Adrien like that? Does he dislike Draco? Lost in my thoughts, I wander down the corridor until I spot a figure ahead. My pace quickens, and as the person turns around, I'm surprised to see it's Adrien. His expression is solemn, and my heart sinks. "It bothers you that I'm a Riddle, doesn't it?" I ask quietly. He glances down at the floor, mumbling a response. "What?" I press, and he looks up. "It doesn't," he says clearly this time. I give him a sad smile. "It doesn't bother you that my father is a killer? That I'm a Death Eater?" I question again. He shakes his head defiantly. "It doesn't bother you that my Dad killed your parents?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes widen, and he pulls me into the nearest broom closet. "You can't say a word about it, Riddle!" he whisper-yells, startling me. Suddenly, there's a commotion in the hallway, and voices draw near. Adrien presses a finger to his lips, urging me to stay silent. We stand there in the dimly lit closet, tension thick in the air, until the voices fade away. As we emerge, I can't help but feel a newfound connection with Adrien, a shared understanding amidst the complexities of our pasts. Later, as the day comes to a close, Dumbledore addresses the entire school during dinner in the Great Hall. With a twinkle in his eye and a jovial tone, he announces, "Students of Hogwarts, I am pleased to inform you that next week, Hogwarts will be hosting its first-ever talent show!" The hall erupts into excited chatter and applause, and I can't help but feel a flicker of anticipation amidst the looming shadows of uncertainty.
