All The Lies You Tell - MATTHEO RIDDLE

Chapter 8

I knocked on the door of the old cabin. Clouds were forming overhead. The sound of my fist hitting wood echoing in the crisp air. It wasn't until moments later when the door finally opened. Revealing Harry in his night clothes and hair a disheveled mess. He's obviously surprised to see me. An emotion displayed very well on his face. I was starting to regret even showing up.

"Hermoine? What in Merlins name are you doing here?", Harry asks with his bewildered expression.

"Hello Harry. You've received my letter?"

He scratches the side of his head, shifting uncomfortably. "Well yes... But I thought you didn't want me to write back so I—"

"You're right", I interrupt, "That's not why I'm here at all".

"Not that I'm not thrilled to see you, But what are you doing here?"

"I want the resurrection stone", I blurt, "I mean I would like the resurrection stone. If you'll let me borrow it." 

It felt weird asking Harry this knowing the stones sentimental value.

"What ever for?", He asks skeptically.

"I really wish I could explain. Truly, but I can't. You'd be doing me a huge favor by letting me borrow it".

Harry stands there. Contemplating, I assume. Finally he sighs.

"Alright Hermoine, if it will help you"

I go giddy with excitement. "Oh thank you Harry! You have no idea how much this means to me".

He simply nods and turns back to go into his home. He turns and asks, "Would you like some tea? I could put on a pot."

"No, that's alright. I've already asked for enough".

He turns back and keeps walking further inside.

I stand on the damp porch. Alone with my thoughts. What am I doing? Coming to ask Harry for the resurrection stone. It's madness. Harry would never let me have it if he knew what it was for. For Mattheo. I don't even know why I'm doing it. Or why I want to help him. Talking to bellatrix is crazy. And certainly not ethical. No good would come from that. Then why do I insist to do this?

After my encounter with Mattheo in the woods I spend the rest of the night battling with my self conscious. My head said no, but my heart. My heart said this is right. That this is a good thing. For a moment I saw Mattheo have a glimmer of hope when he dangled that pendant. Then it was all stolen away. I wouldn't want that for anyone. Especially not him. I can't explain this feeling. It's like I almost care about Mattheo. But that's impossible, right?

In the midst of my thinking Harry had returned. Box in hand. It was a small, wooden box with one little lock on the front. Harry gently placed the box in my hands.

Harry seemed at a loss for words, Then he spoke up. "Please be careful Hermoine. I believe that you will take care of the stone".

"I will guard it with my life. I promise".

Harry let out a breath of relief. "Thank you. I trust you still know how to use it, yes?"

I nod.

"Very well", Harry says.

We stand there in an awkward silence.

"Well I'll be on my way-" "I'll see you later-", our sentences entwine.

We both burst out in a fit of laughter. "It was good to see you again", Harry announces.

I grin. "You as well. Send Ginny my regards".