Snakes and Lions (Matteo Riddle & original mc)

Away From the Lions

The next few days were spent with mostly the same schedule. I studied with Matteo again in the Slytherin common room, and returned to my Gryffindor friends who judged me quietly.

"What are the odds the only person she can study with is him?" I heard Ron quietly ask Harry during potions.

I shot a deadly look at the two boys who seemed surprised that I had heard them.

At the end of the day on Friday, we had just finished transfiguration and I walked out of the classroom with Hermione. I saw Matteo standing outside as well - and he was alone.

I turned to Hermione. "Hey I'll meet you at the common rooms."

She looked at Matteo and then back at me, squinting her eyes in suspicion.

"I hope you know I don't approve of this." She said, crossing her arms.

"Of what?" I asked innocently.

She rolled her eyes before walking away. "See you later."

I smiled and approached the Slytherin boy. We were the only ones in the hallway.

"You seem interested in me, Potter." He said, smirking.

"What's on your mind?" I asked him, avoiding his remark.

"The weekend." His eyes were always so relaxed and dark. He was confident in what he said. "You wanna hang out?"

"Sure. What will we do?" I was quick to comply, this made him smile.

"I don't know, I could show you around the campus."

"Sounds good." I smiled. "Where will we meet?"

He grinned. "I'll find you."

"Oh, no." I said. "You mean you're gonna make an impression on my friends?"

He nodded his head casually. "Precisely."

"Fine, but don't be too embarrassing." I warned him.

"We'll see." He said. "Be ready by breakfast."

"Okay," I playfully punched his arm. "See you tomorrow, Riddle."

"See you, Potter."

I entered the Gryffindor common room to find everyone hanging around the foyer, in the living room part. The radio played music but all heads turned to me as I walked through, on my way to the stairs to drop off my things in the dorms.

"Catching up with a new friend, are we?" Seamus said to me, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I actually was." I said quickly, my poker face unbeatable.

"What makes you think being friends with that abomination is a good idea?" He asked, and I snapped my head at him.

A couple of people started whispering when I approached the Gryffindor boy slowly.

"Don't call him that." I said quietly, staring him down.

"Well..." He seemed sheepish now. "I-It's the truth."

"You don't seem so confident in that." I practically mocked him.

"C'mon guys," Ron said, walking in between us. "Break it up."

I made sure to get one last look at Seamus in the eye before leaving to go to my dorm. I sat and read over my potions book before Hermione and some other girls came in, chattering amongst themselves.

"Hey," Hermione came up to me. "Come for dinner."

I closed my book and she read the title.

"Potions, huh?" She remarked. "Are you trying to get better grades, or impress your tutor?"