The Dare - Mattheo Riddle

15. forever and always

We had finally arrived back at Hogwarts, the anticipation of a new school year buzzing in the air as the train chugged away into the distance, well not new were still in the same grade but the new year.

 I was lost in the comforting chaos of students reuniting and the familiar sights of the castle coming into view. 

Harry had caught me just before we disembarked, asking if I could meet him later in the courtyard. 

I was about to say no out of habit, but something stopped me. After all, he was family.

"Sure," I said, surprising myself with the ease of the decision.

finally I was back in the common room I made my way to my dorm and decided I would unpack later I was too tired to do that right now, I did dig out my DADA textbook to look through it before tomorrow mornings class.

when I found it I went back down to the common room and plopped onto the couch my DADA textbook sprawled across my lap. 

The crackling fire added a cozy ambiance, but I was lost in the dense text when I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind. 

I looked up, startled but smiling when I saw Mattheo's face, his curls falling into his eyes.

"You really love sneaking up on me, huh?" I teased, leaning back into his embrace.

"Maybe," he grinned, hopping over the couch to sit next to me. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and I relaxed into his warmth, feeling the stress of the past few days melting away.

"So, I'm meeting Harry later," I mentioned, trying to focus on my book but finding it hard to concentrate.

I couldn't see his expression clearly, but I sensed a note of curiosity in his tone. "Why's that?"

"Honestly, I don't know. He's my brother, and I guess it would be nice to connect with him, in a way," I sighed, staring at the pages, my voice trailed off as if I was questioning my own reasoning.

"I still don't like him," Mattheo shifted slightly, a trace of annoyance in his voice. 

"You don't have to," I said, meeting his gaze with a steadiness I hoped would convince him. 

"But we're on the same team now, remember? We need to respect each other's choices, even if we don't always agree." I added my voice firm so he would know I was being serious.

"Speaking of which, we're meeting tonight in the Room of Requirement for training. You still coming?" I asked, arching an eyebrow as I awaited his answer.

"If it means keeping you safe, then yes, I'm coming," Matthew replied flatly. I could sense the underlying concern in his voice, but I chose not to press him further.

"Oh, and after training, be ready at 10 PM sharp," he added, a mysterious glint in his eyes. I looked at him, puzzled.

"Why? We have classes early tomorrow," I asked, a touch of confusion in my voice.

"I'm taking you out," he said with a playful smile, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. I blushed, my heart fluttering at the thought of a real date. We hadn't had one yet, so I was curious about his plans.

"Sounds like a date. I'll meet you in the common room at 10," I said, wrapping my arms around his neck and resting my forehead against his. A small smile played on my lips.

He brought his hand to my cheek, rubbing small circles with his thumb, "I look forward to it. I'll see you later—I have to meet Theo and Enzo for... well, merlin knows what. But I promised to join them on their adventure," he chuckled, placing a soft kiss on my forehead before standing up.