Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 28 - Avada Kedavra!

A week had passed. The evening cast a tranquil ambiance over the common room as Aurora and Matteo entered. With no one else around, Matteo drew Aurora close, his intention clear in the way he leaned in for a kiss. But just as their lips were about to meet, a voice shattered the moment:

"You're pregnant?"

Shock rippled through Matteo's expression, his eyes widening in disbelief. Aurora instinctively lowered her head, anticipating the impending conversation. Matteo, reading her thoughts, whispered incredulously, "Ashley is pregnant? How come you didn't tell me? Damn, you hid that very well, props to you, Aurora." They cautiously ventured further into the room, spotting Ashley in tears on the couch. Taking cover behind a large black chair, they listened in on the conversation unfolding between Ashley and Faize.

"I don't know what to say," Faize confessed, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Ashley, her tone tinged with resignation, declared, "I'm keeping the baby, Faize. And... I understand if you don't want to be involved. We just started dating, it hasn't even been a full year... but I-"

Faize interjected with unwavering resolve, "Don't even say those words. You know I love you, Ash. I'm not going anywhere. Yes, this is a lot faster than we expected, but I always saw myself making a family with you, and if we have to start faster than the others, then so be it. Year 7 will be over soon; I will go work for my dad at his company until it's finally time to take over. We will be fine."

Ashley's laughter mingled with relief as she confessed, "I love you, Faize. I just... I don't want to lose you."

With a tender kiss, Faize reassured her, "I love you too, the most. I'm staying with you. Little Faize Jr. will grow up with both parents at home."

Ashley's response was almost a shout: "WE ARE NOT NAMING THE BABY FAIZE!"

.............

As the months passed, Ashley concealed her pregnancy with the aid of magic, ensuring that only their close-knit group of friends were privy to the secret. Well, them and the infirmary doctor and their schools principal. This clandestine arrangement prompted Aurora to ponder how many other girls might be employing similar enchantments to conceal their own pregnancies.

In preparation for her evening rendezvous with Matteo, Aurora meticulously selected her attire, opting for an elegant long silk black strapless dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She paired the dress with sleek long black heels, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. With each deliberate choice, Aurora exuded confidence and grace, ready to captivate Matteo's attention as they embarked on their romantic evening together.

As Aurora approached the lake, the moon cast a mesmerizing glow across the water's surface, turning it into a shimmering canvas of silver and indigo hues. The gentle ripples danced under the moon's ethereal light, creating a scene of enchantment. Stars twinkled overhead, reflecting in the tranquil waters below, adding to the magical ambiance.

Matteo stood at the edge of the lake, a silhouette against the moonlit backdrop, waiting for Aurora with an aura of anticipation. Rose petals adorned the ground, forming a pathway for her to follow. As she approached, he enveloped her in a warm embrace, his touch radiating comfort and affection. Taking her hand, they settled onto a soft blanket, the night air carrying the scent of blooming flowers.

Opening a bottle of champagne, they shared laughter and kisses under the celestial canopy, their voices mingling with the soothing sounds of nature. Matteo's tender gestures filled Aurora with warmth as he placed her on the blanket, his lips finding hers in a sweet, passionate kiss, sealing their love under the enchanting moonlit sky.

But all good things must come to an end.

The air grew tense as they heard a distant voice calling out:

"Matteo!"

Matteo's reaction was swift as he turned his head sharply, his protective instincts kicking in immediately. He helped Aurora to her feet, positioning himself in front of her, a human shield against the approaching threat. Aurora's nerves began to fray as fear gripped her tightly.

Emerging from the shadowy depths of the woods, a figure cloaked in darkness materialized, his ominous presence sending shivers down their spines. He had a mask and a black long cloak - a Death Eater. Matteo's stance remained resolute, a barrier between the menacing stranger and Aurora. The stranger's voice pierced the silence, dripping with malice as he addressed Matteo by his infamous name, "Matteo Riddle. The Dark Lordy progeny."

"Don't come closer. Tell me. What do you want." And the Death Eater replied: "You know what we want, Mr. Riddle." Matteo spat back: "That's not me anymore. I'm not continuing his work anymore."

Matteo's response was firm, a declaration of his departure from the dark legacy that once defined him. But the stranger's sinister laughter betrayed his intentions, his malevolent gaze fixed on Matteo, a predator eyeing its prey.

"You are either with us or against us..."

With a flick of his wand, the stranger unleashed a curse aimed directly at Matteo, who reacted swiftly, erecting a shield spell to deflect the impending danger. Sparks flew as curses and hexes were exchanged in a chaotic dance of magic, each spell laced with deadly intent. Matteo's movements were fluid and precise, his defense skillfully repelling the onslaught of dark magic. Aurora stood frozen in fear, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the intense struggle unfold before her eyes. She had never seen Matteo like this, she knew he was good at magic, but she never expected him to be this skilled in a fight. Once a curse almost hit Matteo, Aurora knew what she had to do. She didn't want to see him get hurt or killed. More than that - she didn't want to see him kill.

Aurora's hand shook as she aimed her wand at the Death Eater, her heart pounding with fear and determination. With a flick of her wrist, she muttered, "Avada Kedavra!" unleashing the deadly curse, and the green light illuminated the night, striking the Death Eater squarely in the chest. He had payed no attention to her, his intent was set on killing Matteo that night. The dark figure crumpled to the ground, motionless, bleeding out as silence descended upon the scene, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves in the wind.

Aurora collapsed to the ground, her body trembling with the weight of what she had just done. Matteo, his expression a mixture of shock and concern, rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he murmured softly, holding her close. Aurora lifted her head, meeting his gaze with determination, and pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss. That seemed to calm him down. Breaking away, she spoke firmly, "Self-defense does not count, Matteo." He sighed, resting his head on her shoulder, and murmured, "I'm sorry you were forced to do that. I never wanted to bring you into any of this. I thought maybe, just maybe they finally decided to leave me alone..." Aurora smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a newfound strength, and she replied, "A good witch would do anything to protect the one she loves." Matteo chuckled softly and gently scooped her up into his arms, carrying her back to the castle as she drifted off to sleep, safe in his embrace.