Broken Bonds

Chapter 6

As Y/N and Melony entered the Slytherin common room, the atmosphere buzzed with conversation and activity. Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as she stepped inside, grateful for the familiar surroundings and the warmth of her fellow Slytherins.

Melony wasted no time in recounting the encounter with the golden trio, her voice filled with admiration for Y/N's courage. "You should have seen Y/N," she exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride. "She stood up to them with such confidence, defending our house and refusing to let them push her around."

A murmur of approval rippled through the common room as the other Slytherins gathered around, eager to hear more about the confrontation. Y/N's chest swelled with pride at the praise, a sense of validation washing over her.

Mattheo, usually stoic and reserved, regarded Y/N with a thoughtful expression. Though he didn't say anything, the subtle hint of admiration in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Y/N.

Meanwhile, the other Slytherins were quick to add their praise, their voices mingling in a chorus of admiration and respect. "Well done, Y/N!" one exclaimed, clapping Y/N on the back.

Another student, Blaise Zabini, stepped forward, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Impressive, Y/N," he said, extending his hand in greeting. "I'm Blaise Zabini. It's not every day we see someone stand up to the trio like that."

Y/N shook Blaise's hand firmly, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her fellow Slytherin. "Thank you, Blaise," she replied, returning his smile. "I just couldn't let them talk down to us without speaking up."

As the conversation continued, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in herself and her house. With the support of her fellow Slytherins, she knew that she could face whatever challenges Hogwarts had in store, ready to prove herself as a worthy member of the snake's den.

As the conversation in the Slytherin common room continued, Pansy Parkinson's sharp gaze fell upon Mattheo Riddle, who stood slightly apart from the group, his expression as mysterious as ever.

"Pansy," Mattheo acknowledged with a nod, his tone cool and distant.

Pansy, never one to shy away from confrontation, decided to address the question in her mind. "Mattheo, I couldn't help but notice your reaction to Y/N's confrontation with the golden trio," she said, her voice carrying across the room. "What are your thoughts?"

Mattheo's jaw tensed slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "My thoughts are my own, Pansy," he replied curtly, his tone clipped.

Pansy arched an eyebrow, undeterred by Mattheo's dismissive attitude. "Come now, Mattheo, there's no need to be so cryptic," she pressed, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Surely you must have an opinion on the matter."

Mattheo's gaze hardened, his eyes narrowing as he met Pansy's gaze. "And what if I do?" he shot back, his voice sharp with irritation.

Before Pansy could respond, Y/N stepped forward, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why are you always so unsociable, Riddle?" she challenged, her tone tinged with exasperation. "It's like you're determined to keep everyone at arm's length."

Mattheo's jaw clenched in frustration. "And what would you know about it, Y/N?" he retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. "You've only just arrived at Hogwarts. You know nothing about me or my reasons."

Y/N bristled at his words, her temper flaring. "Maybe not, but that doesn't give you the right to act like you're better than everyone else," she shot back, her voice rising in anger. "You're not the only one with secrets, Mattheo. We all have our demons to contend with."

Mattheo's eyes flashed with resentment. "You think you have it all figured out, don't you?" he countered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, I hate to break it to you, Y/N, but you're just a naive little girl who doesn't know the first thing about the real world."

Y/N's fists clenched at her sides, her anger boiling over. "At least I'm not afraid to face the truth, Mattheo," she shot back, her voice trembling with emotion. "Unlike some people, I'm not content to hide behind a mask of indifference."

The tension in the room thickened as Y/N and Mattheo locked gazes, their words hanging heavy in the air. Pansy watched the exchange with growing concern, unsure of how to defuse the escalating conflict between her two friends.

Feeling the tension in the air, Y/N took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She turned to Pansy, her voice softer now, "Pansy, sorry to interrupt, but could you help me find my dorm? I seem to have lost my way."

Pansy's concern softened her features as she glanced between Y/N and Mattheo. "Of course, Y/N," she replied, her voice gentle. "Let's get you settled in."

Y/N offered Pansy a grateful smile, relieved to shift the focus away from the argument. As they made their way out of the common room, Y/N cast a glance back at Mattheo, feeling a pang of regret for the confrontation.

Mattheo's expression softened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features before he turned away, retreating into his thoughts.

With Pansy by her side, Y/N felt a sense of reassurance. As they navigated the corridors of Hogwarts together, she knew that she had a loyal friend in Pansy, someone she could rely on to support her through the challenges that lay ahead. And as for Mattheo, she hated him.