Tangled Fates - Mattheo Riddle x OC

005.

Mattheo's question hung heavy in the air, "What would you do to get your father out of Azkaban?"

Verena's response was immediate, "Anything."

She didn't hesitate for a moment in her answer. To her, family came first, no matter what.

Mattheo raised another concern, "Even if people find him a horrible person?"

Verena's unwavering answer remained the same, "Yes, he is still my father. Family."

Intrigued by his own proposition, Mattheo asked the girl, "What if I can get my father back?"

Verena's eyes widened in disbelief, "But... How?"

Her mind was racing with questions. The Dark Lord was dead, right? How could he come back? Could he get her father out of Azkaban?

Mattheo made a desperate plea, "You cannot tell anyone Verena, please."

Verena promised to keep Mattheo's secret, knowing full well the pain of one parent gone and the other one in Azkaban.

Mattheo revealed, "I found him, he is weak, but I know I can help him and get him back."

He didn't give away too many details, leaving Verena to wonder how he could possibly accomplish such a feat. Verena's loyalty to her friend was unwavering.

"Tell me, what can I do to help?" She was ready to do whatever it takes to help Mattheo's father.

As Mattheo spoke of Voldemort's return, Verena listened intently, her mind swirling with a mixture of fear and fascination. She could sense the urgency in Mattheo's voice, the underlying desire to be by his father's side during this pivotal moment in their world's history.

"I understand, Mattheo," Verena replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But are you sure it's safe? Your father isn't at full strength yet."

Mattheo's gaze hardened, determination shining in his eyes. "I know the risks, Verena," he said firmly. "But I can't stand idly by while my father rebuilds his empire. I want to be there, to support him, to prove my loyalty."

Verena felt a surge of conflicted emotions wash over her as Mattheo's words sank in. She knew the dangers that awaited them, the uncertainty of Voldemort's plans, but she couldn't deny the allure of standing by Mattheo's side, of being a part of something greater than herself.

"I want to be there too, Mattheo," Verena said quietly, her heart pounding in her chest. "I want to stand by your side, to support you, no matter what."

Mattheo's expression softened, a hint of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Verena," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Together, we will prove our loyalty to him and ensure his victory."

-----

"I've been noticing these traces lately," Verena began, her gaze intense as she met Mattheo's eyes. "They're like faint echoes of magic, lingering in the air long after the spell has been cast."

Mattheo leaned in closer, his brow furrowed in concentration as he listened intently to Verena's words. "Traces?" he echoed, his voice low with curiosity.

Verena nodded, her fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air as she spoke. "Yes, traces of ancient magic," she explained. "I can sense them, like whispers from another time. It's as if the magic itself is calling out to me, begging to be understood."

Mattheo's eyes widened with fascination, his interest piqued by Verena's revelation. "Ancient magic?" he repeated, his tone filled with awe. "But how do you know it's ancient?"

Verena shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I can just... feel it," she replied cryptically. "It's like an instinct, a gut feeling that tells me there's something more to these traces than meets the eye."

Mattheo studied Verena for a moment, his gaze searching her face as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden behind her words. "And what do you plan to do with these traces?" he asked finally, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Verena met Mattheo's gaze head-on, a determined glint in her eyes. "I want to learn more about them," she declared firmly. "I want to explore their origins, their significance. I want to unravel the mysteries of ancient magic and unlock its secrets."

Verena paused, her expression earnest as she looked into Mattheo's eyes. "That's why I needed the book from the restricted section," she confessed quietly. "But it was all just... vague references and cryptic passages. Nothing concrete, nothing that helps understand these traces."

Mattheo's brow furrowed in thought. "Perhaps we're approaching this the wrong way," he suggested, his gaze thoughtful. "Maybe we need to look at it from a different angle, try a different approach."

Verena nodded, her spirits lifting slightly at the prospect of a new strategy. "You're right," she agreed, determination shining in her eyes once more. "We can't give up now. We'll keep searching, keep digging until we find the answers we're looking for."

Mattheo smiled, a reassuring warmth in his gaze as he reached out to squeeze Verena's hand. "We'll figure it out," he promised. 

----

Verena's heart sank as she watched Mattheo prepare to leave, his expression tense with determination. The last task of the Triwizard Tournament had already begun.

"Where are you going?" Verena asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she approached Mattheo, her eyes pleading for answers.

Mattheo turned to face her, his features drawn with a sense of urgency. "My father needs me," he replied, his voice heavy with unspoken burdens.

Verena's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and excitement as Mattheo explained his need to depart for his father's side.

"You're going to help your father?" Verena asked.

Mattheo nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes," he replied, his eyes alight with excitement. "He needs me, Verena. And I can't ignore his call."

Verena felt a rush of exhilaration course through her veins at Mattheo's words. She knew how much his father meant to him, and the opportunity to assist him.

Mattheo's gaze softened as he reached out to touch her cheek, his touch gentle.  "Come with me, Verena."

Verena's heart skipped a beat at the invitation, her pulse quickening with excitement at the prospect of accompanying Mattheo on his journey. With a nod of agreement, she squeezed his hand tightly, her eyes shining with determination.

"I'll go with you, Mattheo," Verena declared.