A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Thirty-one

"Jane!"

"What?!" she shrugged, completely unbothered. "Someone's gotta be the responsible friend here. And let's be honest—Mattheo Riddle gives massive 'raw or nothing' energy."

I gagged.

"JANE."

She dropped her voice into the world's worst imitation of Mattheo's deep, raspy tone. "'Nah, I don't feel shit with those on, princess.'"

I wheezed. Actually wheezed.

"Stop—stop right now."

She tapped the box in my lap with manicured precision.

"Be safe. Be smart. And for the love of Merlin—be loud enough to make that man's ancestors proud."

I groaned, throwing myself back dramatically into the pillows, already bright red from laughing.

"You're the worst." "I'm the best, actually," she winked. "Happy birthday, slut."

We got ready like we usually did — music playing, clothes everywhere, and Jane narrating her entire skincare routine like always. But today...- today I actually put in effort. It was my birthday after all, and even though we still had to suffer through a full day of classes, I figured I might as well look bloody good doing it.

I let my curls fall down my back before tying half of it up with a delicate clip. My makeup? Flawless. A little extra shimmer on my cheekbones, a darker wing than usual, and of course- my favourite lip gloss. I finished it off with a few sprays of my signature perfume — Miss Dior obviously. 

But what really tied everything together — what made me feel expensive — was Jane's gift.

A dainty silver necklace, simple but stunning, with a tiny moon charm resting perfectly against my collarbone. It was the type of gift that screamed I know you better than anyone — thoughtful, elegant, just gorgeous.

After a last spin in the mirror, we finally made our way down to the Great Hall for breakfast — the usual chaos of students, floating candles, and the smell of toast in the air.

But before we even made it to our table, I spotted them.

Fred and George Weasley.

Both already grinning like idiots. Both wearing ridiculous birthday hats like this was some kind of festival dedicated entirely to my existence. And of course — George had come prepared with a third birthday hat in hand.

They strutted toward me like they owned the place, matching dramatic energy and all.

"Goooooooooood morning, Miss Moonvale!" George announced loudly, bowing so low I thought he might hit the floor, "On behalf of Weasley Enterprises, we are here to wish you the happiest of birthdays — and naturally, to force this hideous hat upon your head."

He held it out like it was a royal crown.

Fred chimed in, "Special edition, just for you. Limited time only."

Jane was already cackling beside me.

I laughed, rolling my eyes as George gently — but very dramatically — placed the birthday hat on my head like it was some kind of crown.

"There we go," he said proudly, stepping back to admire his work. "Now that's the birthday queen look."

"Oh perfect," I deadpanned, "exactly the aesthetic I was going for today!""

Fred grinned wickedly. "Fits you, honestly."

I gave him a playful shove, making him laugh.

George wiggled his eyebrows. "Speaking of fitting... wait till you see your gift tonight."