The Dare - Mattheo Riddle

8. Choose

It's been a week since Enzo and I officially called it quits. Things were rough the first couple of days. Theo was right; he smelled Astoria in his potion.

It hurt, but I've accepted it. After the first few days, things started going back to normal. Astoria started hanging out with us more—she's not as bad as people make her out to be. Still just as annoying, but I've been trying to put up with her for Enzo's sake, at least.

Mattheo and I have gotten closer, but when we're with people, he's a lot different. Behind closed doors, I can see the true him, but as soon as we step outside, he's cold.

I was interrupted from my thoughts when my door slammed open and Theo and Enzo came into my room. Theo jumped on my bed, practically pouncing on me.

"Get your lazy ass up! We're going swimming at the lake!" he shouted right in my ear. I couldn't help but laugh.

I really didn't want to go. I've been so exhausted with school and dealing with whatever war was raging inside my head.

"I'd love to, but I have homework to catch up on," I laughed, trying to push him off me.

"We had a feeling you'd say that," Enzo smirked, looking at Theo, who had gotten off me and reached for my arms, while Enzo grabbed my feet.

"I swear to Merlin, if you two don't put me down right now!" I squealed, trying to kick Enzo off me.

It was no use. They dragged me out of my dorm and down the stairs to the common room, our laughs filling the halls.

"Look who decided to join us," Jules laughed, and I glared at her.

Finally, they put me down, and Theo wrapped his arm around me. "Definitely put up a fight, but it was worth it," he said.

I elbowed him in the ribs and gave him a death glare. "Yeah, yeah, where's Mattheo?" I asked, seeing that he wasn't here.

"He's meeting us there," Pansy said. She was cuddled up on the couch with Draco. I couldn't help but smile; the two of them had gotten pretty close over the past week.

"Okay, shall we go?" Enzo asked the group. We all said yes and left the common room.

"What, no Astoria?" I teased, walking next to him.

"Nah, she and Dahlia are out in Hogsmeade," he shrugged.

"Aww, bummer," I pouted, my bottom lip jokingly. I was glad things between Enzo and me were good. It wasn't awkward, which was a relief.

"So, how are things with you and Mattheo? You two seem to be getting closer?" I could tell the question was genuine. I knew Enzo wanted what was best for me.

"He's good, sweet. It's different. One day he's super affectionate, the next he's cold and distant," I shrugged my shoulders, looking ahead of me. Mattheo could be very possessive as well. Sometimes I felt like he was in control of me, which bothered me... but it makes sense, him being the Dark Lord's son.

I'm not innocent either. I'm definitely toxic and have a few loose screws, but I'm also used to being independent.

"Give him some time. He's a damaged kid. He puts up a front, and sure, sometimes it's not good, but he's very damaged—more than any of us combined. But if I know anything at all, I know he feels something for you. I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Just be patient with him," Enzo explained, putting a hand on my shoulder. It was weird getting advice from him, but I still appreciated it.

"Thanks, Enzo," I gave him a genuine smile.

Pansy came running over to us and hid behind us, using us as a shield, screaming, followed by Draco running after her.