RIDDLE ME THIS

43

i knew i didn't belong in London, and as i gazed at myself in the reflection of a shop window, my knowledge was further confirmed.

everyone moved around me, but i stood stock still, forcing the heaving crowds to move around me.

i sighed and began to walk with no idea on my destination, wandering past shops and down dark alleyways.

i walked the streets of London until my feet hurt and i was desperate for a drink, to sit down.

i found myself on a quiet little street with a cobbled pavement.

it didn't look like something that belonged in the muggle world.

i glanced around and my eyes landed on a sign for a pub, swaying in the icy wind.

"the leaky cauldron," i breathed.

the name was familiar.

i crossed the street and walked into the pub, immediately surrounded by merry goers and warmth from the roaring fire.

i made my way over to the bar and sat in the only free seat, my aching feet heaving a sigh of relief.

"what can i get you?" the woman behind the bar asked.

"firewhisky." i answered bluntly.

"Blishen's or Ogden's Old?"

"Blishens, please. on ice."

she raised her eyebrows but poured my drink and slid it over.

"how old are you?" she watched me drink.

"old enough."

the man beside me turned to face me. "i feel like i've seen you before... do you come here often?"

i shook my head and drained the whisky, the flames scorching my throat.

"what's your name?"

"Riddle."

the bar maid paled a little. "that's your first name?"

i slid my glass back down and she refilled it. "surname."

"you're the daughter." she figured. "what are you doing here?"

"having a drink." i gestured to my glass.

the door banged open and she looked over my shoulder, her face paling further.

"Lola!" Matteo roared.

the pub fell silent.

"i think he's angry." the man whispered.

i shook my head and finished my drink as footsteps came up behind me.

Matteo grabbed my shoulder and spun my chair round so i faced him.

Draco, Pansy and Violet had accompanied him. great.

"come on." he grabbed my hand and pulled me off the seat. "Tom's gone."

"i want to stay here." i tugged my hand away.

"please, Lo. come back."

"no." i sat back down. "Tom hurt me."

"he's gone back to the Manor, Lola. he feels terrible."

"yeah right." i scoffed. "how the fuck do you think i feel?"

"drunk," Matteo answered. "you've always been a lightweight."

i reached over the bar and snatched the bottle of firewhisky, taking a few large gulps before Matteo took it and handed it back to the bar maid.

Pansy came forward and placed a handful of notes on the bar. "keep the change."