The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 6 - It's a date

Weeks had passed since the astronomy tower incident. My hatred for Lyanna festered, a mutual loathing that simmered beneath the surface.

Her entitlement, her sheer ignorance about my father, and that infuriating false bravado grated on my every nerve.

She spent most of her time alone, nose buried in books or huddled with Professor Fig – her only friend.

Another frustration to add to my growing list, was the deafening silence from Narcissa and Lucius. Not a word from my father either. Nothing. Even Malfoy had become a ghost, I'd only really see him in class.

I'd racked up detentions like trophies, half-hoping Snape or Dumbledore would write to the Manor about my behaviour. Maybe that would spark a response. Or maybe not.

The silence was unsettling, more so than ever before.

I raised my head from the sink, ice water dripping down my face.

My chest heaved, pins and needles prickling my hands, arms, and neck.

The usual shock of cold wasn't helping this time.

My reflection stared back at me, vision blurring at the edges. This attack ambushed me just as I'd returned from Corrina's room.

...Unfamiliar boxers lay on her floor while we were having sex.

Fuck. I needed something. Anything to dull this edge.

I struggled to slow my breathing, to ease the unpleasant tingling sensations. Throwing on a hoodie, I stumbled towards the common room, praying Theo and Enzo were still there.

The common room hit me like a wall of noise and presence.

Self-consciousness crashed over me in waves. Theo lounged in the same armchair as earlier, engrossed in a poker game with Enzo and some Quidditch mates.

"Alright, mate? Want a beer?" Theo asked, cigarette dangling from his lips.

I hesitated, fighting the irrational feeling that every eye was on me.

"I need something stronger. Got any pills?"

Concern flickered across Theo's features, there and gone in an instant.

"What kind?"

I scratched the back of my head, a desperate attempt to stay grounded, to hide the panic clawing at my insides.

"Anything that'll knock me out."

Theo's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, seeing more than I wanted him to. Then he nodded, almost imperceptibly.

"Come on." He said, rising from his chair. "Let's sort you out."

As we moved away from the group, I felt a mix of relief and...Shame? Relief that help was coming, shame that I needed it at all.

I sank into the couch, body heavy, mind floating.

The panic was still there, somewhere, but it felt distant, muffled.

Everything moved in slow motion, exactly the reprieve I needed.

Carlisle's voice cut through my haze. "You hear the new girl, Hawke, sent Morgan Mayweather flying in Charms the other day. Nearly knocked her out cold."

Theo's giggle grated on my nerves. "That's what happens when you try and teach a muggle magic."

"Leave her alone."

Enzo said, his eyes fixed on his cards. There was an edge to his voice.

"It can't be easy for her. Eighteen and suddenly thrust into a whole new world, having to learn everything from scratch."