BEGIN BEFORE THE END | WTM | R.A.B

28

“It’s still unbelievable.” Bellatrix murmured.

“I have to go to the washroom. Excuse me.” Cathy said getting up from her seat.

“Ooh me too.” Mary said following her.

“They get along quite well.” Mr. Granger said as Cathy and Mary disappeared into the store.

“They use to be flat mates.” Evan told them. “And back when Cathy worked with the Ministry, she and my wife use to be partners.”
 
“That’s why they’re so friendly.” Marlene realized.

“They’ve saved each other’s lives so many times and confided in each other that they basically think of the other as a sister.” Regulus smiled.

“Mr. Black.” Regulus turned around and saw his old Hogwarts professor there with a man and a young boy with her.

“Professor!” the marauders all cheered for their house teacher.

“Professor.” Regulus stood up and shook hands with the witch. “It’s wonderful to see you again!”

“It really is.” Minerva said. “Rosier.”

“Professor.” Evan nodded.

“I was showing these two through the ins and outs of Diagon Alley when we decided to sit down for a break.” Professor McGonagall gestured to pair she was accompanying.

“Please join us.” Arthur said.

“Thank you.” The man said.

“Who is that?” Dorcas asked.

“I dunno but he’s a good-looking bloke.” Lily said.

“I don’t think he’s that good-looking.” James whispered.

“Ryan.” Regulus called out to his son.

“Yo.” Ryan turned around and noticed the man and his son. “Oh hi.”

“Hello.” The boy said.

Ryan noticed that the boy had several first-year text books. “First year?” the boy nodded. “My sister’s starting this year too. Come sit with us.”

“Thanks.” The boy pulled up a chair next to Neville. “I’m Mattheo, by the way.”

“I’m Ryan. These are my sisters Cassie and Halley, this is Harry and Ron and Neville.”

As the children made introductions. Regulus offered a chair to Mattheo’s father as he introduced himself. “I’m Regulus. Regulus Black.”

“I’m Thomas. Thomas Riddle.” The man introduced.

Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn all turned pale at the name.

“Thomas Riddle? I feel like I’ve heard that name before.” Professor Flitwick said.

“Yes.” Professor Binns agreed. “As do I.”

The wizards sitting at the table all froze instantly. Evan, who had been sipping his drink, immediately began to cough and spit out some of his drink.

Molly patted him gently on the back as the Grangers made their own introductions. After they finished, Thomas looked to Arthur and Molly who introduced themselves and finally to Evan.

“I’m Evan.” He spoke. “Say Thomas, how to spell your last name?”

“R-I-D-D-L-E.” Thomas spelt out.

“No silent letters thrown in the mix or anything?”

“Uh, no.” Thomas said.

“Why’s he so interested in his name?” Peter wondered.