A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 18: Rumours

Sirius smirked, finally glancing James's way. "Why would we? Watching you pine is endlessly entertaining."

"Very funny, Padfoot," James muttered, though his ears turned pink at the reminder of Anastasia's sharp words from months ago. "I'm not looking for her, alright? I'm just... enjoying the party."

"Right," Remus said, his tone drier than parchment. "Because you always enjoy parties by staring wistfully at doorways."

Sirius's grin widened, his voice dropping into a teasing lilt. "Is it because she smirked at you today? Oh, I saw it, Prongs. Don't deny it. That tiny little lift at the corner of her mouth—completely uncalled for. Clearly, she's madly in love with you."

"A smirk, Prongs!" Sirius feigned awe. "Truly, you have won over my dear cousin's stone cold heart. What's next? A nod of acknowledgment? A polite clap?"

James scowled, taking a long drink of his butterbeer to avoid responding. "I hate you both," he muttered under his breath, though he couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Because the truth was, Sirius wasn't entirely wrong. And James knew he'd be scanning the room for Anastasia until the very last person left the party.

James stood near the drinks table, still holding his half-empty mug as a group of Gryffindor girls crowded around him, giggling and congratulating him on his performance in the match.

"Great game, James!" one of them said, her voice bubbly as she clutched his arm. "That last goal—absolutely brilliant!"

James offered a distracted smile, nodding his thanks, but his eyes kept flicking toward the doorway. He wasn't even sure why; it wasn't like he expected her to show up.

Then she did.

Anastasia Gaunt entered the room on the arm of Lucius Malfoy, her expression a picture of perfect boredom. She moved with her usual grace, her dark hair sleek and immaculate, her green robes tailored to perfection. Her gaze flicked over the crowd as though assessing it for something worth her time. Trailing just behind her was Regulus Black, whose disinterested scowl matched hers.

The group of Gryffindors around James fell silent for a beat, their collective gaze snapping to the trio.

"What the hell are they doing here?" one of the boys muttered under his breath.

James straightened slightly, his brow furrowing as he glanced at them. "It's a party," he said evenly. "Open invite."

"Even Slytherins?" another boy asked, his tone laced with suspicion. "Especially them?"

James ignored the question, his gaze trailing Anastasia as she made her way further into the room, Lucius murmuring something in her ear that she didn't seem to care about. Her posture was perfect, her expression cool, but James noticed the way her eyes flitted briefly over the crowd, calculating and cautious.

The Gryffindor boys weren't so discreet.

"Rumour has it," one of them whispered, his voice low but audible enough for James to catch, "she's engaged to Tom Riddle."

Another scoffed, "Rumour? Didn't you see them at the station? It was nauseating."

"Didn't Riddle just get promoted at the Ministry?"

"I heard she's deep into dark magic," a third added. "Fitting, isn't it? Considering her family."

James's jaw tightened, his grip on his mug so firm his knuckles turned white. "That's enough," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the chatter.

The boys turned to him, startled. "Come on, James," one of them said. "You know we're not talking about Sirius. You've heard the rumours too. Doesn't it bother you, knowing she's—"