Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 25 - 7th year

The school buzzed with the energy of returning students and the promise of a new term as winter break came to an end. Aurora stepped off the Hogwarts Express, greeted by the familiar faces of Ashley and Faize. With a joyful squeal, she threw herself into Ashley's arms, embracing her friend tightly.

"I missed you so much!" Ashley exclaimed, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. Aurora then turned to Faize, offering him a quick hug before he remained silent, his demeanour always calm and composed. As they made their way through the bustling crowd, Tyler joined them, enveloping Aurora in a warm hug from behind and lifting her off her feet, causing her to giggle with delight. Setting her down gently, he leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek, "I missed you, princess!" Tyler declared, his fondness for Aurora evident in his words. Together, they continued towards the Great Hall, Aurora scanning the crowd in search of Matteo, but he was nowhere to be seen amidst the throng of returning students.

The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as students filled the long tables, eager to reunite with friends and welcome new arrivals. Aurora and her friends settled into their seats, but Aurora couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her. Matteo was conspicuously absent, and his absence weighed heavily on her mind.

As the ceremony commenced, the Sorting Hat placed new students into their respective houses, each table erupting with cheers and applause as the new arrivals found their homes. The atmosphere was jubilant, filled with the promise of a new school year. However, the festive mood was shattered when the Great Hall doors swung open, and Matteo entered, arriving late to the ceremony. Aurora's heart skipped a beat as he made his way to the Slytherin table, deliberately choosing a seat away from her and their group. "I wonder what's with him," Tyler remarked, also intreagued. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she watched him from afar.

The students were sorted and principle McGonagall gave her speech, lighting the fire in the new students eyes. Before Aurora could approach Matteo to inquire about his unexpected entrance, a small girl from Hufflepuff dashed over to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. A hush fell over the Great Hall, the unexpected sight capturing everyone's attention and leaving Aurora stunned and uncertain. The girl was a 1st year Slytherin around 12 years old, she was small and petite, she had long blonde hair and very pale skin, she looked like a literal princess from a storybook. Aurora watched the scene unfold and so did everyone else.

The Great Hall fell silent, the buzz of conversation coming to an abrupt halt as all eyes turned toward Matteo. His closeness with the new Hufflepuff student unexpected, casting an air of mystery over his presence. Aurora watched from her seat, her brow furrowing with concern.

Matteo's gaze softened as he addressed the small girl before him, a mixture of confusion and recognition flickering across his features, "Are you Minny?"

The little girl nodded eagerly, her eyes wide with excitement as she clung to him, seeking reassurance. Matteo's smile was gentle as he reached out to ruffle her blonde locks, his demeanour shifting from confusion to warmth.

"Minny, I'm glad to see you're alright. But you should go. I'm not a person you want to associate with at this school."

Despite his words, Minny shook her head adamantly, her determination evident in the way she stamped her foot in protest, "You are my friend. My first ever friend."

A soft chuckle escaped Matteo as he regarded her with affection, his hand moving to tenderly caress her cheek, "You will make better friends here. Hufflepuff is known to house kind people, and you are one of the kindest. Now, go back to your table and make some new friends."

With a reluctant nod, Minny finally released her grip on Matteo and made her way back to her table, casting occasional glances over her shoulder. Throughout the exchange, the watching students remained silent, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected interaction between Matteo and the young Hufflepuff.