Enchanted Chaos (Mattheo Riddle)

Chapter 3: Quidditch Rivalry

A few weeks had passed since Y/n Malfoy's arrival at Hogwarts, and she had quickly settled into the rhythms of school life. She navigated her classes with ease, her sharp mind and keen wit making her a standout in both Slytherin and the wider student body. During this time, she also formed a surprising bond with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley—an alliance that raised more than a few eyebrows among her Slytherin peers.

On the day of the Gryffindor versus Slytherin Quidditch match, the crisp autumn air buzzed with excitement. Students filed into the Quidditch stadium, their cheers and shouts echoing off the stands. The Gryffindor versus Slytherin match was always a highlight of the Hogwarts school year, and this time was no different. Banners waved proudly, painted in red and gold or green and silver, as the house rivals prepared for battle.

Y/n found herself in a unique position, torn between her house and her new friends. Despite her Slytherin allegiance, she wore a Gryffindor scarf, a silent declaration of her support for Harry and his team. As she made her way to the stands, she joined Pansy, Enzo, Theo, and Blaise, who were all decked out in Slytherin colors.

"Supporting the enemy, are we?" Enzo teased, raising an eyebrow at her Gryffindor scarf.

Y/n smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I have friends in Gryffindor," she replied nonchalantly. "Besides, it's more fun this way."

"Traitor," Blaise chuckled, shaking his head. "Just don't let Draco see you in that scarf."

"Speaking of Draco," Pansy said, nodding towards the pitch where the players were assembling, "there he is."

The Slytherin team, led by Draco, looked formidable as they mounted their brooms. But it was Mattheo Riddle, with his confident grin and casual demeanor, who caught Y/n's eye. He glanced up at the stands and, spotting her, gave a mocking salute.

"Cheering for Gryffindor, are you?" Mattheo called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Y/n shot back, her tone playful.

Mattheo's grin widened.

"We'll see where your loyalties lie when Slytherin wins."

The game began with a burst of energy, the players soaring into the sky with breathtaking speed. Gryffindor's Chasers moved in a tight formation, passing the Quaffle with precision, while Slytherin's Beaters sent Bludgers hurtling towards their opponents with ruthless efficiency.

"Come on, Gryffindor!" Y/n cheered, earning a few surprised glances from her Slytherin companions.

"Traitor," Theo muttered good-naturedly, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

As the game progressed, the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin intensified. The score remained close, each goal met with a roar of approval or groan of disappointment from the crowd.

At one point, Mattheo flew close to the stands where Y/n was seated, his eyes locking onto hers.

"Enjoying the game?" he called out, his tone teasing.

"Immensely," she replied, her grin matching his. "Gryffindor's putting up quite a fight."

"We'll see about that," Mattheo retorted, turning sharply to intercept a Gryffindor Chaser with a skillful maneuver that earned applause from the Slytherin supporters.

The banter continued throughout the match, a playful undercurrent to the intense competition on the field. Each time Mattheo performed a particularly impressive feat, he would glance up at Y/n as if seeking her reaction, and each time she would respond with a mixture of admiration and challenge.

As the game neared its climax, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Gryffindor was ahead by ten points, and both Seekers were in a frantic search for the Golden Snitch. Draco, eyes narrowed with determination, flew in tight circles above the pitch, while the Gryffindor Seeker mirrored his movements.

Suddenly, a glint of gold caught the sunlight, and the crowd erupted as both Seekers dove simultaneously. The Snitch darted through the players, weaving between brooms with lightning speed.

"Go, Draco!"Y/n found herself shouting, the excitement of the moment overriding her earlier support for Gryffindor.

In a heart-stopping chase, Draco managed to get a hand on the Snitch just moments before the Gryffindor Seeker, securing the victory for Slytherin. The Slytherin supporters erupted in cheers, their victory cries echoing across the stadium.

Mattheo flew by the stands once more, a triumphant grin on his face.

"Looks like Slytherin wins," he called out to Y/n.

She couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head in mock defeat.

"Alright, you win this time, Riddle."

Mattheo landed gracefully and approached the stands, his broom slung casually over his shoulder.

"Admit it, you were impressed," he said, his tone half-serious, half-teasing.

Y/n met his gaze, her smile lingering. "Maybe a little," she conceded. "But don't let it go to your head."

"Too late," Mattheo quipped, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, still cheering for Gryffindor?"

"I cheer for the best team," she replied enigmatically, her eyes locked with his.

"And today, that was Slytherin," he pointed out with a smug grin.

"Today," she agreed, her voice softening just a touch. "But there's always next time."

Their playful rivalry, tinged with a growing mutual respect, continued to spark as they left the stadium together.

As Y/n walked towards the stadium exit she spotted Harry, Hermione, and Ron waiting for her.

"Tough luck," she said, giving them a sympathetic smile.

Harry shrugged, a good-natured grin on his face.

"We'll get them next time. You really are a wild card, you know that?"

"She keeps us on our toes," Hermione added with a smile.

Ron groaned dramatically.

"I don't know how you can be friends with both sides. It's exhausting."

Y/n laughed, the sound mingling with the cheers and chatter of the departing crowd.

"It's called diplomacy, Ron. Maybe you should try it."

"Yeah, right," Ron muttered, but his eyes twinkled with amusement.

As they made their way back to the castle, Y/n couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging among her new friends, even as her interactions with Mattheo continued to challenge her loyalties and spark something she couldn't quite define.