Her Brunette, His Blonde {Mattheo Riddle}

nine ~ birthday

The morning of Deya's birthday dawned with a soft, golden light filtering through the curtains of her room at Malfoy Manor. She stretched languidly in her bed, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Today marked not only her seventeenth birthday but also the day they were returning to Hogwarts. As she glanced at the small stack of gifts on her bedside table, a warm feeling settled in her chest. But a part of her couldn't help but wonder how the day would unfold, given the complexities of her relationship with Mattheo.

After getting ready and heading downstairs, she was greeted by Draco and Narcissa, who enveloped her in warm hugs.

"Happy birthday, Deya," Narcissa said, kissing her daughter's forehead.

"Thanks, Mum." Deya smiled.

Draco handed her a small, beautifully wrapped box. "Here, open this now. The others can wait until we're on the train."

Deya took the gift, curiosity piqued. Inside the box, nestled in velvet, was a delicate silver bracelet with a charm in the shape of a dragon, a nod to their shared name.

"Draco, it's beautiful," she said, her voice soft with appreciation.

"Something to remind you that your brother is always watching your back, even when he's not around," Draco replied, a rare warmth in his tone.

Narcissa looked on fondly as Deya fastened the bracelet around her wrist, the dragon charm catching the light as she moved.

The journey to King's Cross was uneventful, though the tension of the past few days lingered. Deya's thoughts were occupied with what had happened with Lucius and the looming shadow of Voldemort's decree. But as they arrived at the station, the familiar sight of Platform 9¾ brought with it a wave of nostalgia and a sense of normalcy that she hadn't felt in weeks.

Stepping onto the Hogwarts Express, Deya felt a mixture of relief and anticipation. The train was alive with the usual chatter and laughter of students returning to school, and for a moment, she allowed herself to forget the troubles that awaited them back home.

Draco, ever the protective brother, led her to a compartment where Pansy Parkinson was already waiting. Pansy jumped up the moment she saw Deya, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Happy birthday, you!" Pansy exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection. She handed Deya a package wrapped in pink and silver paper.

Deya unwrapped it to find a stunning set of enchanted quills, each tipped with a different colored ink that glimmered in the light. "I figured these would help with your notes. And besides, you'll be the most stylish in all of Hogwarts," Pansy added with a wink.

"They're perfect, Pansy. Thank you," Deya replied, smiling as she admired the quills.

As the train chugged along, more of Deya's friends dropped by to wish her well and offer their gifts. Fred and George Weasley, always the jokers, presented her with a box of their latest inventions from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, including a new line of joke wands that transformed into random objects when waved.

"Just don't try to turn anyone into a toad with these," Fred warned with a grin.

"Unless it's Snape," George added, both of them chuckling at the thought.

Deya laughed, grateful for their lightheartedness. "You two always know how to make me smile."

Next came Blaise Zabini, who, despite his usual cool demeanor, offered her a sleek, leather-bound journal. "For when you need to jot down your thoughts, away from prying eyes," he said with a knowing look.

Deya ran her fingers over the soft leather, appreciating the thought behind the gift. "This is perfect, Blaise. Thank you."

Lorenzo and Theodore, both of whom were on the Slytherin Quidditch team with Deya, appeared together, carrying a large, flat package. Inside was a framed photo of the entire team, taken after their last victory, with Deya at the center holding the Quidditch Cup high above her head.

"We thought you might like a reminder of your triumphs," Lorenzo said, smiling.

"Yeah, and to remember how you saved our asses in that last match," Theodore added, grinning.

Deya's heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at the photo. "This is amazing, you guys. I'll hang it up in my dorm the moment we get back."

Finally, as the afternoon began to fade into evening, Mattheo found his way to her compartment. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet for most of the journey, though his eyes had never strayed far from Deya. Now, as he approached her, he carried a small, intricately wrapped box.

"Happy birthday, Deya," he said softly, handing her the gift.

Deya took the box, her heart fluttering as she unwrapped it carefully. Inside, nestled in a bed of deep green silk, was a small, silver locket shaped like a serpent, its eyes set with tiny emeralds.

"It's beautiful, Mattheo," Deya whispered, her voice catching in her throat as she lifted the locket from its box.

"There's more," Mattheo said, stepping closer. He gently took the locket from her and opened it, revealing two tiny portraits inside—one of Deya, smiling softly, and the other of Mattheo, his expression tender.

"So you'll always have me with you, no matter what," he murmured, his eyes locked on hers.

Deya's breath hitched as she looked up at him, tears of emotion welling in her eyes. "Mattheo... this is... I don't even have words."

"You don't need them," he replied, his voice low and filled with emotion. He reached out, tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek.

Deya leaned into his touch, her heart pounding in her chest. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Mattheo smiled, a genuine, warm smile that was reserved only for her. "You're welcome, Deya."

Just then, Draco poked his head into the compartment, interrupting the moment. "Deya, you'll want to hear this. Pansy's group back at Hogwarts have made an absolute mess of trying to decorate the common room for you."

Deya laughed, the tension of the moment dissolving into the warmth of the day. "Honestly, she's too funny." Deya giggled.

Mattheo watched her laugh. his heart swelling with an unfamiliar sense of contentment. As Deya glanced back at Mattheo, her eyes still shone with tears. He smiled at her, a smile that spoke of promises unspoken, of a future they would carve out together, despite the odds stacked against them.

As the evening settled in, and the train neared Hogwarts, the sky outside darkened. The group gathered in their compartment one last time, the air filled with laughter and the comfortable camaraderie that came with years of friendship. For a while, the burdens they carried seemed lighter, the shadow of Voldemort's decree far removed from the here and now.

When the train finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station, the students disembarked, the cool night air invigorating after the long journey. Deya felt a sense of anticipation as they made their way to the carriages that would take them up to the castle. Her heart was light, buoyed by the love and support of her friends and the heartfelt gifts they had given her.

But as they rode up to the castle, the familiar towers of Hogwarts looming in the distance, Deya couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. The joy of the day had temporarily pushed aside the harsh reality of the situation with Voldemort, but now, as they neared the castle, it all came rushing back.

Mattheo seemed to sense her unease. He reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll figure this out, Deya," he whispered, his voice steady and reassuring.

She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the uncertainty she felt. But there was also a spark of determination there, a resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead with the same strength and courage that had seen her through so much already.

As the carriage rolled up to the front gates of Hogwarts, Deya took a deep breath, feeling the comforting weight of the silver locket around her neck. She glanced at Mattheo, who smiled at her, his expression full of warmth and reassurance.

For now, the night was hers, filled with the promise of new beginnings and of love that defied all odds. The shadow of Voldemort's decree still loomed over them, but here, in the heart of Hogwarts, surrounded by those she cared about most, Deya felt a flicker of hope.