Shattered Bonds

18| The Return of Shadows

The atmosphere in the Great Hall shifted as Pansy's smirk lingered in the air. Just then, the doors swung open again, and all heads turned toward the entrance. Faith felt her heart race as she recognized the figures stepping inside—her brothers, Tom and Mattheo Riddle, had arrived.

Draco's gaze flicked toward Faith, a mixture of confusion and concern written across his face. "Your brothers?"

Faith nodded, her stomach twisting with anxiety. She hadn't expected them to come to Hogwarts, especially not after everything that had happened. Tom, with his striking features and dark charisma, exuded an air of confidence, while Mattheo followed closely, his demeanor more reserved but equally intense.

"Is this a joke?" Pansy sneered, eyes narrowing as she took in the Riddle brothers. "You think these two are going to help you?"

Tom's gaze swept the hall, assessing the situation. "We're here for our sister," he declared, his voice echoing through the room. "And anyone who threatens her will answer to us."

Draco stepped forward, trying to keep the peace. "We're just trying to create a united front here, Tom. We don't need conflict."

"Conflict is inevitable," Mattheo said coolly, his expression unreadable. "Especially when old grudges resurface."

Pansy crossed her arms, her disdain palpable. "What do you two know about loyalty? Your father—"

"Enough," Tom interrupted, his tone sharp. "Our father's legacy doesn't dictate our choices. We're not here to follow in his footsteps."

Faith felt the weight of her brothers' presence. The Dark Lord's legacy loomed over them like a shadow, especially after their mother's tragic end. She had died at the hands of Voldemort for her infidelity, leaving Faith to grapple with her complicated heritage. Now, her brothers stood before her, each a reflection of a past they were trying to escape.

"Let's focus on what's happening here," Faith urged, stepping between Tom and Pansy. "We're trying to foster a new beginning, not perpetuate the old rivalries."

Tom looked at her, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "You're right, Faith. But we'll protect you, no matter the cost."

Draco glanced around the hall, gauging the reactions of the gathered students. The tension was thick, but there was also a spark of curiosity. "If we're going to move forward, we need to show everyone that we can overcome our past."

Pansy scoffed, but the resolve in the room was shifting. "You think this little reunion changes anything?"

Faith took a deep breath, meeting her brothers' eyes. "It does. We're stronger together. Let's prove that."

---

As the night wore on, the atmosphere began to change. Tom and Mattheo joined Draco and Faith at the front, and together, they addressed the assembled students. They spoke about unity, about rising above their legacies, and about the power of choosing their own paths.

Gradually, the whispers of dissent began to fade. Students from all houses listened, intrigued by the presence of the Riddle brothers and their commitment to their sister.

"We may not have chosen our bloodlines," Tom said, "but we can choose our actions. Let's make Hogwarts a place where every house stands together."

The crowd erupted into applause, and for a moment, the tension felt lighter. But as Pansy stood to the side, her expression darkening, Faith knew this was just the beginning.

---

In the days that followed, Faith struggled with the reality of her brothers' presence. They had come to Hogwarts, but the legacy of their father was a heavy burden. Each time they walked the halls, she felt the eyes of others on them, the whispers of their lineage swirling like shadows.

One evening, as they sat together in the common room, Faith broached the subject. "Do you think being here will change anything for us?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Tom leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "It's a risk, but I believe it can. We have a chance to redefine who we are."

Mattheo nodded, his expression serious. "But we need to be cautious. Pansy and her followers won't let this go easily. They'll see us as a threat."

Faith felt a pang of fear. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me. You both have your own paths to forge."

"Family comes first," Tom replied firmly. "We won't let anyone threaten you."

---

As the weeks passed, the tension in the school only escalated. Pansy intensified her efforts to rally the Slytherins against Draco, Faith, and her brothers. But the alliance they had built began to strengthen, students rallying behind their shared vision for a united Hogwarts.

One evening, as they prepared for another joint event, Draco approached Faith. "I know things are tough with your brothers here. Are you okay?"

"I'm trying to be," she admitted. "It's just... complicated. Their presence brings up a lot of feelings about our past."

Draco nodded, understanding. "You don't have to face it alone. We're all in this together."

Faith smiled softly, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Draco. It means a lot."

---

The day of the next event arrived, and the Great Hall buzzed with anticipation. They had organized a showcase of talents—musicians, dancers, and performers from every house. But as they prepared, a sense of unease settled over Faith.

Just before the event began, she spotted Pansy and a few Slytherin followers whispering in a corner. Her instincts kicked in; she knew something was brewing.

"Draco," she said urgently, pulling him aside. "I think Pansy is planning something."

He glanced toward the Slytherin group, a look of determination crossing his face. "We need to confront her. Now."

Together, they approached Pansy, who straightened up, her expression defiant. "What do you want, Malfoy? Here to plead for your little alliance again?"

"We're here to stop you from creating more conflict," Draco said firmly. "This event is about unity, not division."

Pansy crossed her arms, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "You think your little gathering can change things? You don't know Slytherin pride. You'll see."

With a flick of her wrist, she signaled to her followers, and Faith felt a chill run down her spine. The confrontation was brewing, and they were about to be tested like never before.

---

As the event kicked off, the air crackled with excitement and tension. Faith stood at the center, her heart racing as performers took the stage. She hoped that tonight would be a turning point, but the shadow of Pansy's threat loomed large.

Draco stood beside her, his presence a steadying force. "We can do this," he whispered, his gaze scanning the crowd.

But just as the first act began, a commotion erupted at the back of the hall. Pansy and her followers had stormed in, intent on causing chaos.

"Let's show them what Slytherin is really about!" Pansy shouted, and the crowd gasped as tension filled the air once again.

---

Faith took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. This was the moment they had been preparing for, and together, they would stand their ground.