Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 12 - Gregory Pillsburg

As the students bustled about, packing their belongings and exchanging heartfelt farewells, Aurora found herself amidst the flurry of activity. Hugs were shared, goodbyes were whispered, and promises of reunion were made as everyone prepared to depart for winter break.

Aurora embraced Ashley and Faize, bidding them farewell with a smile. Mara's absence did not go unnoticed, but it brought a sense of relief rather than concern. For now, distance seemed the best remedy for their strained friendship.

"Are you sure you won't come with us?" Ashley inquired, a hint of concern colouring her voice. Aurora's smile remained unwavering as she assured her friend, "I will be perfectly fine here, Ash."

Turning to Tyler, Aurora found herself enveloped in his embrace, the warmth of his touch a comforting reassurance amidst the bittersweet farewell. Leaning in, they shared a tender kiss, their affection a silent promise of the bond they shared.

"I will write to you. Have fun with your family," Aurora murmured as they parted, a hint of longing evident in her voice. Tyler's smile was tinged with sadness as he replied, "Ugh, I don't want to let go, but I will miss you like crazy, Aurora." She leaned in and their lips met in a comforting kiss, before he had to pull away and leave, 'I will miss him.'

As the last of their classmates departed, Aurora scanned the crowd for any sign of Matteo, but he was nowhere to be found. With a shrug, she resigned herself to his absence and made her way back to the common room, the quiet solitude of Hogwarts beckoning her home.

..........

Aurora sits in the library, a day having passed without sight of Matteo. She can't shake thoughts of him, wondering why he dominates her mind. As she practiced magic she also tried building up her mental walls to shield against his mind-reading, she reflected on Matteo's uncanny ability, a gift from his deceased father. The possibility of him also being a Parselmouth intrigued her.

During dinner, Aurora finds herself alone among the sparse remaining students. Matteo again no where to be seen. With only three others in the hall — two Hufflepuffs she didn't recognize and a vaguely familiar Ravenclaw boy — Aurora decides to reach out. She approaches the Ravenclaw, surprising him with her presence, sitting down in front of him.

"Hope I'm not disturbing you. I'm Aurora Kindle," she introduces herself. "What is your name?"

"Gregory Pillsburg," the boy responds, slightly taken aback. Aurora smiles warmly, determined to forge a connection, "So, Gregory, hope this isn't getting too personal too fast, but why are you staying back at Hogwarts?"

Gregory puts his bread down, his expression thoughtful. "Oh, my family are not really the type you'd want to visit. I prefer peace so I stayed here."

Aurora smiles in understanding. "Yeah, same for me."

Their conversation unfolds effortlessly, bonding over shared circumstances and the solace Hogwarts offers during winter break.

Amidst the bustling Great Hall, Aurora, still sitting and talking to Gregory, finds herself unexpectedly lifted from her seat by a strong arm wrapping around her waist. Looking up, she sees Matteo standing over her, his expression unreadable. Confusion clouds her features as Matteo pulls her away, leaving Gregory looking bewildered.

"Matteo, what's wrong?" Aurora's voice is laced with confusion and frustration as Matteo continues to guide her out of the hall. She tries to pull her hand away, her irritation growing. "Matteo, why did you do that? That was very rude."

Matteo's sigh is heavy, his anger evident in his expression. "Don't you have a boyfriend? You shouldn't be flirting with every guy whenever you get the chance, Tyler is my friend too, Aurora."