Riddled - Mattheo Riddle

Changes

Fourteen days marked the time Jeremy actually talked to me. Willingly that is. During the time of separation between us we moved to a new estate and father has seldom been seen. He's always leaving, already gone or talking with mom privately about something he said we are not mature enough to hear.

We both knew it was something having to do with the Dark Lord but what wasn't certain was what exactly about him was affecting our family so harshly. I was ready to go to school, just to possibly escape the chaos. We leave tomorrow morning at first light.

Moving schools wasn't uncommon, but I had the last small portion of my faith hoping that this time we could stay put a few years more. Just until Jeremy and I could find a way to easily get out of this reality.

Unfortunately my wishes had no meaning.

"Thank you for dinner Clark." I thank our newest house elf who smiles and bows, "you are very welcome Miss." Then I stand and start to return to my sanctuary called my bedroom, but I hear a conversation between my father and brother from inside father's office. Quietly, my ear goes to the door and I listen into the heated banter.

"I will not!"

"This isn't a choice Jeremiah, he is adamant about-"

"I don't care, my answer is no."

"You will be punished for disobeying him and when you do, don't come back to me or your mother. The shame of a disobedient child can't compare to the overall disappointment I am feeling for you right now. You were my first born, my heir, yet you do not listen to me." Father's voice condescends, then adds more quietly like a mumble to himself, "perhaps Rayne will be more cooperative.

I lean further into the door and hear a startling thud. "Don't ever bring her into the mess you've caused." Jeremy hisses lowly, more cold than I've ever heard him. It took me by surprise the darkness of his tone. What's going on?

"Do not tell me what I shall and shall not do, she as well as you are are my own blood. You will do best to be faithful children."

"Being faithful and being a object to be used are much different father. Rayne will not be of any part of this, but I will think about what's being asked. Don't think I won't come for you if you rope in my little sister. Father or not."

It sounded as though the conversation was concluding and so I rushed as quietly as possible away from the door. My retreat was interrupted by my mom just after I turned into the next hall. "What are you doing dear?"

"Getting ready for school." I answer simply, doing my best to fake a calm expression. My best obviously worked, since acting is something of a skill I've developed quite well, seldom people can ever see through it.

"Be sure to pack some dresses dearest," she lowers her voice as though we are sharing a secret, "I was quite the partier at your age, you should carry on in my footsteps, but dont tell your father I told you so, or I will deny it." She winks and fixes her posture when Father and Jeremy, not in that order, come to where we are.

"What are you ladies doing out here?

"Can't a mother and daughter walk around in their own house?" My mom ponders aloud, shocking my brother and I. Dad raises a brow, unimpressed.

"I suppose that's not the worst one can do in their home. Still, you should be cleaning or getting ready, something productive. Be attending the kitchen if nothing else."

"The elves have the dinner dishes covered. I told them they are allowed off tomorrow for the sake we can have a morning to ourselves before the kids venture on their own to the wizarding school."

"How dare you excuse them!" My father abruptly rages, I step in front of my mom and Jeremy steps closer to us all. My eyes glare into those of my biological parent. How could a grown man act like he does? Harsh, inflicts pain, causes conflict, and does not care about those he is supposed to support and protect.

I haven't met many men since I am mostly enclosed by the walls of my house but those I have all seem horrendous. Not to be rude, but physically and personality speaking. Death Eaters are a terrible crowd to grow up in.

"Never yell at my mother." I sneer at him.

"What is it with you children? How have I raised such disgraces? I have done nothing but provided for you you're entire lives and yet you refuse and deny me the proper respect a father should have."

"Maybe it's because you're a narcissistic manipulative man with insecurities he takes out on his own family! You've ruined the opportunity to earn respect the moment you corrupted our lives! Ho-"

"Ray-" my mom starts.

"Stop." Jeremy halts the both of us and straightens, directly at dad. "He's right. We are disgraces, because we share your last name father." With that statement he leaves and gets himself away from the fuming figure who is our 'dad'.

Father storms off, reminding me of the muggle cartoons where the train whistle would sound, the face would become violent red and the ears would smoke. Mother gently hold my arm and turned me back to face her. "You should not have done that dearest."

"I had to. He's getting out of control with his outbursts."

"I'll speak to him hunnie. Finish packing up, check on your brother then get to bed, you start tomorrow. We will sort this out."

I hope so, I really do.

🌹

The next morning my eyes flutter open to my bare, off-white coloured ceiling. My room was simple, an off white nearly cream coloured edging and roof, and the walls of my sanctuary were light and airy green. I know, surprising I'd reside in such a light room in a death eater family. I don't know why everything associated with death eaters is nearly always black.

Actually, yeah I do.

"Rayne?" My mother calls from the other side of my bedroom door.

"Come in." I groggily groan.

Once more my mom says, "Rayne honey?"

What is it with them never hearing when I answer? C'mon.

I heave my corpse out of bed, rubbing my eye lids and pulling my tangled hair out of my face as I slowly make my way to the door.

Opening it to find a put together model of a mother, the very contrary of what I looked as of moment.

"Did you only just wake up dear?"

"Nope." I yawn, stretching my arms and limbs. She gives me an amused grin and pats my head while saying, "well get ready wont you? You have only little time before we have to leave."

"Why can't we just apparate?"

"Your brother lost the floo powder." She rolls her eyes and pulls on a grin. "If I hadn't given that boy a head already attached to his neck he would've lost it already."

I laugh at her very true statement and after a few more exchanges, retreat back into my room. A few more minutes of sleep before I get ready can't hurt.... Right?

A/N
Sorry for short chapter! They will be longer starting soon!