All The Lies You Tell - MATTHEO RIDDLE

Chapter 31

Hermione Granger

The air was cool, causing goosebumps on my skin. I could faintly hear the sounds of chatter and bustling feet, along with a continuous beeping noise. My eyes are glued shut, unable to fully open. I feel something touching my hand, another person perhaps. Confusion wafts my brain as I try to make sense of what's going on.

After moments of trying to work up the ability to function properly, I finally manage to open my eyes and look around. Immediately I see huge glass door directly in front of me. There's people outside of it, I realize. I don't recognize them, though. I look down and I'm covered in crisp white sheets. Suddenly I remember the person in the room and turn my eyes to the right.

It's Mattheo. He's in a chair knocked out asleep with his hand resting on top of mine. Now I'm really lost. Is this a dream? Drawing out all the strength I have, I inch my hand up slightly, trying to alert Mattheo of my presence. Thankfully, my shaking causes him to stir and inevitably open his eyes and stare directly into mine.

As if just now processing what was happening, he jumps up in his seat with wide eyes. His grip on my hand tightens.

"Hermione, you're awake!", he exclaims.

He smiles brightly as relief shines across his face. I try my best to return the smile.

He pulls my hand up interlocked with his and kisses my enclosed fist. This action surprises me as I know Mattheo's obvious aversion to sweet gestures. Something really must be wrong.

"Hey.", I croak out.

His smile only continues to widen. He raises a shaky hand and glides it up my forehead and into my hair.

"Hey.", he says back. "You look like shit."

His bluntness makes me burst out in a fit of laughter, which soon escalates into loud coughing. Mattheo's face floods with worry as he places his hand on my chest to try and help steady my breathing. Once I'm okay, he gets up and heads for the door.

"I'm gonna go tell the doctors you're awake.", he informs me.

"Wait.", I croak, slowing finding my voice.

Hesitantly, he turns around and sits back at my side.

"Tell me what's going on.", I say.

He pauses for a moment, unsure of what to say.

"Uh", he stutters out. "I found you in your dorm few days ago. You were barely... alive."

My mind goes blank. The only sound available is the ringing in my ear.

"A few days?", I say in disbelief. "How long have I been unconscious."

"Almost a week."

"A week?", I exclaim.

That's when everything comes rushing back. The last thing I remember is studying in my room when Bellatrix appeared. I got so angry and attempted to fight her. Man, I was so stupid.

Mattheo must see the realization hit me, as he leans down closer to me.

"What happened, Hermione?"