Moon Dust | Mattheo Riddle

Chapter 12: Time Turned

The howl rang loud through the dungeons, pivoting off the walls toward the door that led back out to the forbidden forest.

Mattheo stood up and looked toward it as Nova croaked out a sad noise, "dad?"

A second howl came after that, a desperate, angry plea.

The dark-haired boy heard the soft sound of movement behind him and turned back toward Nova with a cautious look. "Don't. You. Dare," he exhaled, but it was a useless breath.

Nova had already clambered to her feet, claws out again on purpose this time, as she twisted her body toward the exit. The third howl barely rang through the air before she was barreling herself at the door, pushing against it with force.

Mattheo quickly jolted after her, but before he could reach the girl, the door fell open with a slam and she took off running toward the woods.

The Slytherin let out an angry huff and kicked at the door before leaning an arm against it as he watched the wind flow through the trees in the distance.

-

Mattheo Riddle whacked another tree branch out of his way as he hovered Nova's wand up in the air; his was still in the possession of the girl's father, much to his displeasure.

Riddle grunted under his breath, then trudged further back towards the whomping willow, trying to retrace his steps and get an idea of the direction of the howl, which would likely lead him to the impulsive brunette he was searching for.

As he trekked down the hill toward the willow at the bottom of the Hogwarts ground, he spotted two figures crouching down beside the mobilised tree.

The dark-haired boy squinted to take a closer look and realised who the figures were. He started to walk towards them with purpose as Snape and Hermione were hoisting Ron up off the ground.

Mattheo picked up his pace and threw his arms up with confusion.

"What happened? Where's Nova?" he yelled.

Ron winced as Hermione dropped her hold on him and an angry look took over her features. She stormed toward Riddle, who took a few steps backward at the sudden approach.

"What do you mean, where's Nova? she's supposed to be with you!" she roared. Mattheo steadied his feet into the ground, then pursed his lips into a snarl. "Well, she's too fast! You try keeping up with her," he spat back.

Hermione's eyes burned into his face as she pushed on his shoulders. "How could you lose her? On tonight of all nights! I told her you were no good!" she yelled, though this time Mattheo didn't even flinch, she pushed at his shoulders again but the Slytherin boy didn't move a muscle.

"Oh, knock it off will ya Granger," he scowled, rolling his eyes exasperatedly as she threw her fists against him.

Snape glared at them both, then sighed and returned to tending Ron's leg.

The ginger-haired boy pushed up onto his elbows to look over at the pair, Hermione was still pushing at Mattheo's shoulders, yelling at him while he scowled quietly.

Ron puffed out his chest a little, then cleared his throat to get the pair's attention. "Oi Riddle, why don't you do us all a favour and get lost?"

Mattheo sent the Gryffindor boy a warning look then pointed up at the witch in-front of him, tired of her over bearing ranting. "You think you're so smart all the time? You don't know anything... I didn't lose her, she ran! I could have stayed back there at Hogwarts, gone to bed and put this shit to rest, but no, instead I came to find her!" he spat back.