Across any Divide

Chapter 17

There were probably other, more efficient ways at solving problems than getting drunk, but it was his favorite.

Matteo was half way into a bottle of goblin gin when Theo and Draco waltzed into the common room.

"Bout fucking time," Riddle drawled, looking from one boy to the other. "Classes have been out for hours."

"Yeah, well, some of us have things to do other than drink ourselves to death, Riddle," Malfoy quipped as he marched up and dropped into the chair next to him. He beckoned for the liquor bottle, and Matteo grudgingly gave it up.

"You smell," Riddle said with a disgusted sniff.

"I've just come from quidditch practice," Draco gestured down to the robes he still wore, "Did the uniform not give it away?"

"There's showers in the locker rooms down there," Matteo recoiled from him, scooting his chair a few inches away. "Why wouldn't you shower down there?"

"The showers up here are way better," Draco answered disdainfully. Theo took a seat beside Riddle to escape Draco's stench. The bottle made its way around their circle before Theo spoke up cheerfully.

"I met the new girl today."

"About fucking fine," Riddle and Malfoy spoke simultaneously.

"How'd you meet her?" Draco snorted, "Corner the poor girl somewhere she couldn't escape you?"

"No," Theo growled, stiffening his back and looking loftily at them, "I happened across her. She was lost and looking for the Transfiguration classroom so I delivered her there."

"That was you?!" Matteo was on his feet in an instant, eyes clouded with rage. "You're the reason she showed up halfway through class?"

"I'm the reason she showed up to class at all," Theo answered snarkily, "What's it to you?"

The vein in Matteo's neck throbbed, and his face flushed a dangerous color of red. "What's it to me?"

His hands tightened into fists, eyes flashing dangerously as he ground out, "I ended up being partners with the bitch on a project thanks to your pansy helping ass!"

Theo blinked once, and Draco's brow furrowed. "You're angry over getting assigned as her partner?"

"Yes!" Matteo bellowed indignantly. "You fucking -"

"That's enough of this," Malfoy's patience snapped. He stood up and grabbed the back of Riddle's collar. He dragged the dark boy out of the common room, liquor in one hand and collar in the other.

Matteo didn't fight him until they were out of the common room - he was too busy yelling curses at Theo and getting the attention of everyone in the common room.

The moment they disappeared into the corridor to the dorm rooms Matteo turned on him. Riddle landed a blow that grazed off his shoulder and knicked Draco's jaw, but didn't do any damage. Draco wrapped an arm around Matteo's neck, tightening his grip until Riddle's attention was solely on getting oxygen.

Draco dragged him down the hallway kicking and fighting until he managed to haul them both into Riddle's dorm room. He tossed Matteo inside, slamming the door shut and locking it before he spun around.

Riddle looked rabid - his eyes were so dark he looked demonic, disheveled and heaving from his exertion. His shirt was ripped, and his face blistering red as he took a threatening step forward.

"If you want to fight, then have it," Draco spat, tossing his wand away and rolling up his sleeves. "I've had it with your fucking temper."

"Fuck you, Malfoy!" Matteo spat, hands curling into fists.