Beyond the Mask// Mattheo Riddle

Chapter Two

We silently walked side by side on our journey to Hogsmeade. The village was quiet, the streets were bare as the shops had been closed down for the night. The light posts guiding our way to the Three Broomsticks, something that never seems to close. 

Approaching the doors, Mattheo reached out and opened the door, gesturing for me to enter. I walked through the threshold, smirking up at him. Inside, it had been much louder than anticipated. Patrons scattered throughout, sipping on their butter beers and enjoying a late night meal. He placed his hand on the small of my back as he leaned down, whispering in my ear. 

"Go find a spot to sit, I'll order us some drinks." 

I scanned the pub in search for a table and at first it seemed almost impossible. But with luck, I spotted a hidden nestled in the corner by the fireplace. I wove through the crowd until I reached the booth and sat on the, not so plush, cushions. I crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in the bench. 

In between the head of others, I had a clear view of Mattheo at the counter and how he effortlessly engaged in conversation with those around him. I couldn't deny he was charming, and had a sense of confidence unlike others. I had, for just a moment, caught myself admiring him. I shuddered at the realization and snapped myself back to my current reality. I've never allowed myself to feel such things about someone before and I sure as hell wasn't going to start today. 

Especially with Mattheo, of all people. 

With our drinks acquired, he turned back and headed toward the booth chosen. He approached at sat the mug of frothy butter beer on the table before me as he sat beside me. Nudging me playfully with his elbow and raising his mug, he teased. 

"May the best drinker win."

I grasped the handle of my mug and raised it to his, clinking them together. "You're on, Mattheo." 

I guzzled down a good portion of my drink, determined to beat him but he couldn't help but laugh. He leaned in teasingly, "Butterbeer is thick. If you want to win, you should slow down." 

I laughed in return, my eyes twinkles mischievously. "What? Are you scared you're going to lose?"

He shook his head. Reaching out, he used his thumb to wipe the foam from the corner of my lip before licking it off. My head spun and my heart raced at his actions, causing me to acknowledge the feelings I have been trying so hard to repress. 

Shaking his head with a soft chuckle, he replied. "I'm not scared of anything, except bringing you back to the common room sick and your brother blaming me." 

I smirked, hiding it behind my glass as I took another drink. "Then you'd better keep up." 

His eye never left me, watching each move I made as if studying me intently. The way my hand gripped the handle to the way my lips curled. I looked over at him curiously, trying to make conversation. 

"So, what really had you so worked up earlier?" I asked, my voice casual despite the curiosity gnawing at the edges of my consciousness.

He shifted slightly in his seat, hesitating to answer. His eyes locked on to me as he grinned. "I'll answer, but only if you answer one of my questions." 

"Fine," I replied curtly. 

He paused, collecting his thoughts and formulating a response carefully. With a deep breath he began. "I've always had issues when it came to my anger," he confessed. "But today, Professor McGonagall told me that if I get into any more trouble because of it I will be expelled." 

I could feel the gravity of his words, finding myself feeling.. sympathetic for him. Why did I care if he got expelled or not? 

Mattheo continued, his emotions were high and clear, feeling frustrated about the situation. "I'm nothing like my dad, yet everyone points fingers at me like I am some.. freak."