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Tuesday, 4th of September 2001
Later that evening, Mattheo Riddle found himself hesitantly making his way to Professor Snape's office. The request to meet, delivered earlier in the day, had left him with a gnawing sense of unease. As he approached the door, he steeled himself for whatever awaited him on the other side.
He knocked softly before pushing the door open, revealing Professor Snape absorbed in the meticulous task of reorganizing shelves. The dim, flickering light cast long shadows across the room, adding an air of foreboding to the already tense atmosphere.
"Professor Snape, you asked to see me?" Mattheo's voice was steady but laced with an undercurrent of apprehension as he stepped into the room.
Professor Snape straightened, his face a mask of inscrutable calm. "Ah, yes, Mr. Riddle. Please, take a seat."
Mattheo approached the desk with deliberate steps, the weight of the moment settling heavily upon him. He lowered himself into the chair across from Snape, the hard wooden surface feeling cold and unyielding beneath him.
Professor Snape leaned forward, his fingers interlocked in a steeple position. His gaze was sharp and focused, as if weighing every word before he spoke. "I have been monitoring your academic performance, and I must say, your grades have shown a marked decline over the past year."
Mattheo's gaze dropped momentarily, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. He started to rise from his chair, ready to defend himself or make his exit.
"Before you go," Snape continued smoothly, his tone brooking no argument, "I have taken the liberty of arranging for you to receive some additional help. I have assigned you a tutor."
Mattheo's hand hesitated mid-air, and he slowly sat back down, his curiosity piqued. "Who?"
"Ms. Matilda Lively," Snape stated, his voice clipped and final.
The name struck Mattheo like a sudden chill. He had heard of Matilda, of her impressive academic standing and her quiet intensity. His mind raced with a mix of reluctance and intrigue. He had expected many things, but not this.
"Ms. Lively will be tasked with helping you improve your performance," Snape continued, his gaze unyielding. "You will report to her for tutoring sessions, which will be arranged starting this Saturday after detention. I trust this arrangement will be beneficial."
Mattheo's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Professor Snape, the weight of the professor's words sinking in. "What?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity. "Is there any chance I could get a different tutor?"
Professor Snape's lips curled into a disdainful smirk. "You don't get to choose, Riddle," he replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The dismissal in his voice was palpable, and Mattheo could sense that his plea was falling on deaf ears.
