"Really? As in the terrifying bitch that was Voldemort's right hand? Your mother?"
"Yes." Riley said slowly.
"Huh. You really are one of a kind aren't ya Riles" Max stood up as realization hit.
"Oh. Oh that means."
"My mother killed his mother. Yes." Riley shuddered as she said those words.
"Guessing he didn't take that well. I'm sorry. I understand why you would have kept that from him. Why befriend him though?"
"How could I not." Riley shrugged.
"Yeah guess you're right, poor bloke. Want me to check on him?" Max suggested.
"He may be beyond words right now but I think it would be good if-" Elanora didn't get to finish her sentence.
Most of Slytherin house was up at this point. Some still walking around groggily others leaving for breakfast. A third year ran into the common room screaming for everyone to gather round. "She's one of us?" A first year asked.
"Friend Riley, I think it best if we move to somewhere more private." Said Winky.
"Winky! When did you get here?"
"I've been here the whole time friend Riley, we should probably-"
The whole common room had gone quiet. Every person in the room looking at Riley.
"Is it true Riley? Is your mother really Bellatrix Lestrange?" A fifth year classmate asked. She couldn't even remember his name, the whole room started to spin. From the entrance door she could here a man trying to barge through the crowd.
"Out of the way please, move, move! Elanora! I'm glad you're here, look somethings-" Seventh year prefect Devon Brunswick had stopped in his tracks.
"-happened. Riley, I didn't know you were here. Explains the crowd I guess. Look we should probably talk somewhere more private."
The four of them, escorted by Winky made their way to Max's room.
"What's up Devon?" Max asked.
"I've just come back from breakfast at the great hall, there's rumors going around. Mostly Gryffindor's, they're saying Bellatrix Lestrange is Riley's mother. You don't have to worry about us here Riley, truth or not. But.."
"The Gryffindor's have their pitchforks out?" Riley concluded.
"Most are just confused but there's some who Yes, aren't happy."
"Thank you Devon. I know your loyalties lie with Elanora in you bringing this warning but I am grateful none the less, thank you."
"Elanora's loyalties are your loyalties, Riley." Devon nodded and left them alone.
"What did he mean by that?" Riley asked.
"Basically that all of Slytherin house has your back." Max finalized.
"And not because of your blood. Because of who you are, you treat everyone evenly. We as Slytherin have changed so much over the years but there are those still who treat us like scum. You have always been kind to us and in turn most of the Gryffindor's were, if not kind, Civil." Elanora explained.
"That and the fact that they know you two have the hots for each other." Max winked.
"Always ruining the sentiment." Riley laughed. Elanora glared.
"Soooo, time to face the music?" Max asked.
"Do you really think she should be walking out there with two Slytherin's by her side?" Elanora asked.
"I have been friends with the two of you for years. I'm not going to stop now. If people want to talk let them talk." Riley stated.
Max motioned his arm to the door.
"Well then, shall we?"