It was a foggy night in mid-October and Elio Nott was sitting at the mahogany desk in his office, staring at a bunch of documents that all seemed to blend together. It wasn't that they were boring documents—well, others might find olive oil accounting ledgers boring but after spending months working as his father's right-hand man, studying their various businesses, he was happy to be put in charge of the company's finances. No, it wasn't boredom. His mind was simply too distracted to focus on the various exports they'd made that month.

First, he was thinking about his exhaustion. He'd had one of many guy's nights last night with his friends Albus, Scorpius, and James. They'd stayed up far too late watching some muggle movie about a man who killed other muggles who killed his dog. Albus cheered on every kickass move—since his dad was raised by muggles, he liked them best out of the group—while Scorpius drolled that things would have been much simpler and much less messy if he'd just been a wizard. James just scowled at the television and said, "This seems pointless."

Then, Elio was thinking about his parents, who were out on a date night, which was shocking considering been hovering more than usual. Elio supposed that it was because he was nearing ten months spent with Annie and, in their mind, that was much more than anyone ever expected him to last with a girlfriend. Eventually, they'd realize that he planned on having an eternity with her and would finally quit hovering. Elio had even caught his mother glancing a ring magazines, saying, "Oh, this one would be perfect for dainty fingers! Not that I have those, of course."

Finally, he was thinking about the girl with the dainty fingers, who he hadn't seen in six days. Her father had been home for more time than usual and only left yesterday. Elio wasn't the type of friend to abandon his guy's night so he settled on being patient, which wasn't Elio's strong suit.

Annie had reassured him via James that she would see him tomorrow. In theory, that was wonderful, as he had a lot of work to do still for his father. But in reality, waiting for tomorrow felt like the worst possible form of torture he could imagine. By that time, it would have been a week since he'd seen her last. A week since she smiled at him, a week since he'd kissed her, a week since he'd felt her body beneath him. Being patient was far from easy.

Well, there was something else too. Energy humming beneath his skin. Something was wrong. Completely and utterly wrong. But he couldn't tell what it was.

So, clearly, his time with the olive oil ledgers wasn't going well. Not going well at all.

Elio ran his fingers through his hair. I should probably change and go to bed. It was almost eleven and he was still wearing a grey henley long-sleeve shirt and black joggers. In the back of his mind, Elio knew that he (unfortunately) wasn't going anywhere but he also knew that if he stepped away from the ledgers, he probably wasn't coming back.

But as soon as he put his head back down to work, a loud CRACK sounded from upstairs. Sounds like it came from my bedroom, Elio mused as he grabbed his wand and prepared to defend himself. The noise was unmistakable; a wizard had apparated into his home. Most had better manners than to just appear in someone's house so whoever was here clearly cared little for niceties.

"NOTT!" A furious voice rang through the halls. Elio put his wand down. While he was indeed correct when he said that the wizard cared little for niceties, he also believed if James Riddle was planning on killing him, he would have already.

The older boy soon thundered down the staircase. He looked like a hurricane with violent winds and shattering lightning swirling around him. A hydra with the intent to kill. And all of its heads were aimed at Elio.

He quickly held up his hands in surrender. "I swear, I don't know what it is, but I didn't do it!"

"Come here," James growled. He stalked over to Elio and grabbed his arm. Surprisingly, his friend's grip wasn't harsh despite his tone and taut body. Elio was sure that if James Riddle were a rubber band, he would have been lying broken on the ground right now.

"What is it?"

"Annie," James muttered.

"What?!" Now, Elio was the tense one. "I knew something was wrong. What happened? Is she alright? Is she hurt? Where—"

"Shut up and come on."

This time, Elio didn't question or argue with the older boy. James grabbed onto his arm and with another large CRACK, the two apparated away.

The first thing Elio noticed when he appeared in the foyer of Riddle Manor was the melancholy atmosphere. There was no warmth, no fire, no sounds of tinkling piano keys. Though the place felt so different than what he was used to, it had always felt oddly homey to him. Now, it just reeked of death and sadness. The thought did nothing to appease his nerves.

"Where's Annie? Is she alright?"

"Shh!" James hissed. He grabbed Elio's arm and pulled him toward the den.

Finally, Elio heard it. The sound of soft yet sweet sobs.

Annie was curled up on the couch clutching something tightly in her fist. Her cheeks were red and tear-stained by sobs that continued to clutch her thin body. She was shaking despite the blanket that was haphazardly strewn around her. She didn't seem to register Elio or James's presence in the doorway, too lost in her emotions to process anything but sadness.

Grief. He was looking at grief. Elio wasn't sure how he knew it—perhaps a part of him recognized it from a time long ago when he'd lost his last living grandparent—but he knew that Annie had experienced a loss. And though he was glad she was unharmed, he couldn't bear seeing her in so much pain.

James pulled him back and whispered in his ear, "It's the cat."

"Perkins?" Oh no. Not Perkins. Anything but Perkins. Annie loved that damn cat. That damn fat, lazy, old cat that she'd had since she was a toddler. "What happened?"

"Mum went out to visit our Great Uncle. Annie and I had a late dinner and then she went to play the piano. That's when the screams started." Oh no. Poor Annie. Having to walk in on her beloved pet lying still.

"I-I thought he was asleep," James stuttered. Over the months of their friendship, he'd noticed the Riddle's tendency to do that whenever he felt uncomfortable. "I hadn't realized that cats just died like that."

"Well, he was rather old, wasn't it?"

"Oh yeah, but I thought if he hadn't died yet, that my dad must have done something."

Elio looked over at his sweet girlfriend. His heart ached to go over and comfort her but he needed to know everything before he did. "Where's the body?"

"My uncle came and took care of it. He just left to go tell my mum. She should be back any second." James turned and looked at Elio with sad eyes. Elio was almost surprised to see that much emotion on the boy's face. "I didn't know what to do. It's like she doesn't hear a word I say. You're… you're the only one that could comfort her. I don't want to admit it but she needs you."

She needs me. Those words seemed to snap Elio into a trance. Suddenly, he no longer cared about hearing the backstory—he could learn all of that later. All he cared about was comforting his girlfriend, being there for her, and making her feel loved through the darkness that surrounded her.

He rushed over to the couch and quickly wrapped his arms around her. Annie continued to sob, even as he picked her up and placed her on his lap. He rubbed soothing circles across her back while he whispered in her ear. "Shh, topolina. It's alright. I'm here. It's alright."

She hiccuped. "E-Elio?"

"It's me, baby. I'm here. You're okay."

Annie wrapped her arms and legs around him, clinging to him like he was her only tether to Earth. "Elio… it's Perkins… he just…"

"Shh, I know. How are you feeling?"

"Sad. Really, really sad." She nuzzled her face deep into his neck as if it would protect her from her grief. Elio just sighed and moved one hand to her hair, stroking it as he rubbed her back. "He's gone, El. He's just gone."

"The ones we love are never really gone, darling. Not really. They're just in a different place. Perkins… well, he's with your grandparents now. They're taking good care of him until you can see him again."

"You really think I'll see him again?" her muffled voice whispered.

"Of course. Love is its own kind of magic. Magic like that has power even stronger than death." He pulled back and smiled gently. "Besides, we're wizards, darling. We know a little about death. You'll see Perkins again one day. I'm sure of it."

Her lip quivered. It wasn't long before she was crying again, burying herself deep into his arms. Elio just continued to comfort her, whispering soothing words into her ear while she sobbed. He hoped that, while she weathered this storm of grief, he could be the home that kept her dry through the rain.

Footsteps sounded and soon, James was sitting on the couch. He grabbed onto Annie's arm, which wasn't easy since the girl apparently had a talent for making herself as small as possible, wedging as far into Elio's lap as she could go.

"Erm, Annie," James said in an awkward tone. "Don't be sad. Perkins was quite old."

"I can't just 'not be sad!'"

"But we can get you a new cat."

"I don't want a new cat! I want Perkins!"

"I know, baby. I know," Elio murmured, silently wishing that James would realize how terrible he is at comforting people. It would be much better if the boy kept his mouth shut. "But that's what makes pets so special. They're put on this planet for a short amount of time because their hearts are so large and so full of love, they cannot possibly last as long as us fickle humans. Perkins was a very special kitty and he lived a life full of nothing but love. Think of that when you think of him. Honor his memory by thinking not of tonight, but of the many joyous nights you had with him."

"But I'm going to miss him," she said softly, her voice breaking. Elio thought he heard some noises in the background, though he was too focused on Annie to be sure.

"I know. And he'll miss you. But remember: he's always with you. He's left a paw-print on your heart that'll last forever."

"Oh, Elio," a voice gasped. "That was beautifully said."

Elio turned to find Evelyn Riddle standing in the doorway with a black scarf wrapped around her head to protect her from autumn's bitter winds. Despite her strong expression, Elio could feel her sadness over her daughter's loss. Elio knew the feeling. Despite having barely interacted with the cat, Elio couldn't help but grieve it too. Annie's emotions were his own.

"Mummy," she whimpered. "Mummy, he's gone."

"Oh, my sweet girl." Evelyn unwrapped the scarf from her head and strode over to where they sat on the couch. It was surely an odd sight—a sobbing girl in one boy's arms while another patted her shoulder awkwardly, a mother coming to hug all of them. "Elio said it perfectly. He's not gone. He's just in a new place."

Annie sniffled. Elio's grip tightened on her reflexively. He hated seeing her so upset. "Daddy can bring him back, right?"

"Oh, honey." Evelyn smiled but there was nothing happy about the look on her face. "Even Daddy doesn't have that kind of power. Perkins has lived a good life. Now, it's time for him to move on."

Annie's hold on Elio tightened and another wave of tears overtook her. Elio stroked her back and whispered, "It's alright, topolina. You're going to be okay. I love you. Your father loves you. Your mum loves you. James loves you."

"Perkins loved me too."

"He did, pretty girl. He did."

"I don't understand. There are plenty of cats in the world," James muttered under his breath. Elio was thankful that Annie didn't hear him this time. Now, she seemed lost in the storm again.

"Yes, but this one was special, James. Special things cannot be replaced that easily."

James sighed and looked at his little sister before kissing the side of her head. "I know."

Elio let Annie grieve for a few more moments before turning to James. "Will you make her some tea? Some relaxing tea?"

James seemed confused so Elio loudly thought, She won't be able to sleep without a potion. "Ahh," James finally said. "Yes. Of course. Tea is my specialty."

"The sarcasm isn't necessary, James Arcturus," Evelyn snapped quietly. She turned back to Elio and Annie. "I'll get you two a blanket. I'm guessing you won't be able to move for a while."

Elio smiled. Evelyn's tone was apologetic but she must not have realized that there was no place Elio would rather be than with Annie in his arms.

James came and brought the tea just as Evelyn was wrapping the quilt around both of their bodies. It took quite a bit of effort to convince Annie to drink it but she finally did, falling asleep almost immediately. Elio shifted her so she was curled into his chest, clutching his t-shirt as if it were a lifeline.

"I need tea too," James grumbled before going back to the kitchen. His mother raised her eyebrows. "A regular one! Merlin, mum. I'm not going to give myself a sleeping draught. Dad would kill me."

Evelyn rolled her eyes before turning back to Elio and Annie. She placed her hand on Annie's shoulder and stroked it with her thumb in that comforting, motherly way. Every once in a while, Annie would let out a little sob, clutching the item in her first. Elio got a glimpse of it finally only to see that it was Perkins's collar—blue with the tiniest of bells on the front. His heart broke for her all over again.

"Thank you for being here," Evelyn finally whispered. "Not just tonight. Before, too. You've helped me, you've given James a friend, and you're the best person for our little Annie. Thank you for coming."

Elio looked at her, pinning her with his dark eyes. "I'll always be here. Always."

Evelyn smiled but Elio continued, "Besides, I knew something was wrong with her. I don't know how to explain it but I could feel that she was upset. I'm glad I'm here."

Evelyn's lips pursed in thought but she didn't say anything else.

The night grew long and yet Elio and Evelyn didn't move. Eventually, James joined them on the couch, all of them just sitting and absorbing Annie's grief. At one point, Evelyn got up to light the fire and bring Elio a cup of tea. He didn't feel like he needed it—-not when his needs felt secondary to hers—but it was nice nonetheless.

But it was late into the night when a loud CRACK sounded from outside. "Oh God," Evelyn whispered under her breath. She gave James a look Elio didn't understand before both of them hurried over to the doorway, knocking over their tea but seemingly not caring.

"Little Dove, what is it? Are you alright? I came as soon as I felt your pain."

"Tom, I—"

"What is this?" a deep, terrifying voice growled.

And then Elio was looking into the dark eyes of Tom Riddle.

Pain prickled at the edges of Elio's skin, almost as if Tom was torturing him with just one horrifying glance. He tightened his arms around Annie but didn't look away. The Dark Lord was scary, yes, but he was here for Annie. Surely, Tom would put petty father grudges aside for the sake of his daughter.

Or, at least, Elio hoped so. Annie wasn't a regular girl and Tom wasn't a regular father.

"Who is this and why is he touching her?" The look on Annie's father's face was like Death personified. Everything dark and macabre wrapped up into a man who looked absolutely furious at the prospect of someone holding his little princess.

"My darling, this is Elio Nott. Theodore and Aria's son," Evelyn said softly, grabbing her husband's arm. It didn't soften him as Elio hoped. "He's Annie's… boyfriend."

Tom's jaw clenched. Elio wondered how the man had any teeth left in his mouth. "And how long has he been Annie's 'boyfriend?'" His dark eyes pierced Elio's soul. It was clear that his question was directed toward him.

"Almost ten months, my lord." Elio was sure that calling his future father-in-law "my lord" wasn't normal but he rather liked staying alive so he thought the extra respect wouldn't hurt.

"I know something was different. I thought it was the spy. I thought—" Tom muttered to himself before glaring at Elio. "And you thought it would be wise to keep something from me?"

"Annie didn't want to tell you while you were focused on the rebel."

"I see," Tom seethed. Then, as if shadows were moving rather than a man, he appeared in front of Elio, holding a wand to his throat. Elio felt shadows sweep into his mind but before they could poke and prod through his thoughts and memories, he slammed up a wall. Tom hissed in frustration. "So one of them has taught you Occlumency. Not an easy task to learn."

"I performed well in school, my lord."

Tom grinned. "Well, since you're no use to me now, I'll grant you one small mercy. Because of your parents, you may die quickly. Goodbye, Elio Nott."

"Father, no! Elio is—" James began but Tom pointed his wand with a murderous gaze.

"Silence! I will deal with you later." Elio gave James an appreciative look. At least he tried.

"Tom. No," Evelyn's voice was strong despite her scary husband. Tom, at least, didn't point his wand at her, though he looked at her darkly.

"How could you allow this, Little Dove? How could you betray me like that?"

Evelyn's lip quivered. "It wasn't meant to be a betrayal. It just happened. He makes her happy, Tom. Happier than I've ever seen her."

"A trick, no doubt."

"Love is not a trick. That is something you should know very well!" Mrs. Riddle's eyes shone with unshed tears.

"That is different," Tom said with a sharp scowl.

"I don't think it is, Tom," Evelyn whispered. "I think they're like us. I've seen it. He could feel her tonight."

Tom's eyes widened for the briefest of seconds—while Elio wondered what the bloody hell they were talking about—before they narrowed again.

"Fine," he seethed. Then, he turned back to Elio. "Leave. Leave while you still can and never return."

But Elio clenched his jaw and pulled Annie closer. "No."

A look of astonishment appeared on Tom's face. "What?"

"I said: no. You might be bloody scary," Elio looked down at Annie's sleeping face, "but a life without her is terrifying. I'm not leaving her. Not when she needs me."

Tom's jaw dropped before his eyes were rageful again. "You insolent boy. I grant your mercy and you throw it back at my face. I'll—"

"Daddy," Annie's soft voice whimpered sleepily. She stirred and opened her eyes, though she didn't move from Elio's arms. Didn't even budge.

Tom noticed, glaring at him before whispering, "Yes, princess?"

"Daddy, Perkins… Perkins d-died," she said quietly. Silent tears streamed like waterfalls down her face.

Her father's face fell. "Oh, princess. I'm so sorry. Come here." He held out his arms and Annie crawled into them. "Come on. I'll tuck you into bed."

She fell asleep as soon as she hit her father's arms. Before exiting the room, Tom turned back with a dark glare at the three in the room. "There has been enough death for one night." Then, to Elio, he said, "You're never to see her again. Whether that is through your death or your permanent absence is your decision. But if I see you again, I will not be so merciful."

Looking over at James and Evelyn, he muttered—though in a much kinder voice than the one he used on them earlier, "It is clear that I shouldn't have left. I don't plan on making that mistake from here on out. See to it that he leaves the grounds. If either of you are found helping him see her again, I will not be kind."

Then, the Dark Lord left.

It was Evelyn who broke the silence first. "Come on, Elio. I'll take you home."

"Mum, I'm sorry. I'm the one who—" James began but Evelyn hushed him with a wave of her hand.

"No one is at fault except for your father. His temper when it comes to her is… well, he's overprotective. You know why."

"Yes," James whispered with shame coating his voice. Elio nodded because he, too, understood Tom's anger. Though he didn't agree with it, he knew that it was easy to be overprotective of Annie, especially giving the health complications she had early in life and her naivety of the world. If Elio had a daughter, he'd be wary of her boyfriend too.

Just because he understood it, though, didn't mean he wasn't utterly heartbroken.

Not see Annie again? Is he serious? But the look on Tom's face as he left the room seemed like the furthest from kidding. Elio turned to James and Evelyn, feeling helpless. "What do I do?"

James's mouth thinned. "The only thing you can do. Listen to him and stay alive."

"But if I do that, I won't see her again!"

Evelyn smiled sadly. "I know. But perhaps it is better this way. Your life would have always been in danger being with her. Now, at least your mother can rest knowing you are safe."

"I don't care if I'm safe! I only care about her!"

Evelyn put her hand on Elio's arm and squeezed it gently. "Some things just aren't meant to be. You both can move on and still live wonderful lives."

But how can it be wonderful when it's away from her?

Elio sighed and allowed Evelyn to lead him to the doorway. A loud noise sounded before Riddle Manor vanished and the Nott Estate came into view. "Well, I suppose this is goodbye," Evelyn said softly as she brought him to the door. "I wish tonight could have gone differently. In many ways."

"Me too, Mrs. Riddle."

And then Elio walked back inside, heartbroken and completely alone.

Okay, I know a lot of y'all were expecting Elio to die on sight but in Tom's book, he's not a great guy but he's also not unreasonable—like he doesn't kill immediately if his family isn't threatened. That's the biggest diff between him and Voldy is that Tom is smart about his kills and isn't unnecessary. So I feel like, in my mind, this is how it was likely to go.

But I hope y'all liked it!