A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 5: Spring Break of 76'

"Of course," Tom replied smoothly, releasing her hand and stepping back with a gracious nod. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

Anastasia moved to Regulus, her expression softening as she knelt slightly to pull him into a hug. "Be good, Reg," she murmured, her voice quiet. "Behave while I'm gone, all right? I'll see you at the ball."

As she pulled back, he grabbed her arm, his grip surprisingly tight. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked, his voice low and filled with concern.

For a moment, her carefully constructed composure threatened to crack. He was so young, his face still carrying the faint softness of childhood, though his eyes were dark with worry far beyond his years. She placed her free hand over his, squeezing gently.

"I'll be fine," she said, her voice calm and steady. "You just take care of yourself."

He nodded reluctantly, letting her go, and she turned to face Walburga and Orion.

"Do behave," Walburga said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "And do not disappoint us, Anastasia. You know what's at stake."

"Of course," Anastasia replied with a slight nod, her tone as even and obedient as expected.

Orion gave her a curt nod of approval, his expression unreadable. "Go on, then."

Anastasia turned back to Tom, who was waiting patiently, his hands clasped behind his back as if he had all the time in the world. He extended his arm again, and she took it, her steps measured as they walked toward the edge of the platform.

"I must admit," Tom said lightly, glancing at her with a smirk, "your aunt and uncle have a talent for draining the joy out of any occasion. It's almost impressive."

Despite herself, a genuine smile tugged at her lips. "They do have their charms."

He chuckled softly. "Ah, there it is. A smile. I knew I'd find it eventually."

"Don't get used to it," she replied, her tone light but guarded.

As they approached the sleek black car waiting for them, Tom leaned closer, his voice dropping just enough for only her to hear. "I truly did miss you, Anastasia. I hope you'll make my efforts worthwhile."

Her smile faltered, but she quickly replaced it with her usual poise. "We'll see, won't we?"

Tom's laugh was low and rich, carrying the kind of confidence that came from always getting what he wanted. He opened the car door for her, and she stepped inside, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her at the Riddle Estate—the ball, the guests, and most of all, the man beside her.

For now, she could only prepare herself for the performance to come.

On the other side of the platform, Sirius stood on the far end, his shoulders hunched slightly as he kept his distance from the milling crowd. Sirius's eyes landed on his parents before James even noticed them. Walburga and Orion stood near the far side of the platform, their postures rigid, their dark clothing severe against the swirl of color around them. They weren't looking his way—thankfully—but the sight of them made Sirius's stomach churn.

James nudged him lightly. "You alright?"

"Fine," Sirius muttered, his voice tight. "They're over there."

James followed his gaze and frowned. "Think they saw you?"

"Don't think they care to look," Sirius replied, though the bitterness in his voice betrayed the sting of the thought. He shook his head, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Anyway, it's not like they'd do anything here. Too public."