Broken Bonds

Chapter 7

As the days passed, whispers of the Dark Lord's return began to circulate through the corridors of Hogwarts, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the school. The once lively atmosphere in the Slytherin common room grew tense and quiet with students exchanging nervous glances and speaking in hushed tones.

Among them, Mattheo Riddle seemed to bear the brunt of the suspicion and unease. As rumours spread like wildfire, his fellow Slytherins began to regard him with wary eyes, casting doubt upon his intentions and allegiances.

Mattheo, usually aloof and composed, found himself drawn into frequent confrontations and arguments with his peers. The tension in the air crackled with hostility as tempers flared and accusations flew.

Y/N couldn't help but notice the change in Mattheo's demeanour. Once confident and enigmatic, he now seemed on edge, his usual composure slipping away in the face of mounting pressure.

One evening, as Y/N passed by a heated exchange between Mattheo and another Slytherin, she couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. The rumours of the Dark Lord's return had taken their toll on everyone, but it was clear that Mattheo was bearing the burden more heavily than most.

Despite the growing animosity towards him, Y/N couldn't shake the sense of empathy she felt towards Mattheo. She knew that beneath his tough exterior lay a vulnerability that few others could see.

Determined to reach out to him, Y/N approached Mattheo after the altercation had died down. "Mattheo," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Mattheo's gaze met hers, and for a moment, Y/N caught a glimpse of the turmoil hidden behind his steely facade. "I'm fine," he replied tersely, but the strain in his voice betrayed his words.

Y/N hesitated, unsure of what to say. She wanted to offer him comfort and support, but she knew that Mattheo was not one to easily open up.

Before she could speak, Mattheo turned away, retreating into the shadows of the common room. Y/N watched him go, a knot of worry tightening in her chest.

As Y/N entered the Slytherin dormitory, she immediately noticed Mattheo huddled in the corner, his usual air of aloofness replaced by a palpable sense of distress. Without hesitation, she made her way over to him, her concern mounting with each step.

"Mattheo?" Y/N's voice was gentle as she approached, her eyes filled with empathy.

Mattheo looked up, startled, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability. "What are you doing here, Y/N?" he asked, his voice strained.

"I came to give Draco a letter from our parents," Y/N explained, nodding towards the letter clutched in her hand. "But it looks like you could use some company too."

Mattheo's expression hardened, a defensive barrier rising between them. "I don't need your pity," he muttered, averting his gaze.

"It's not pity, Mattheo," Y/N insisted, her tone gentle yet firm. "I just want to help. You don't have to go through whatever you're facing alone."

For a moment, Mattheo hesitated, his pride warring with his need for comfort. "I... I don't know if I can," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "That's okay," she reassured him. "But I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."

Mattheo's defences slowly began to crumble under Y/N's unwavering support. "I just... I don't know how to handle all of this," he confessed, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Y/N nodded sympathetically, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed, Mattheo," she said softly. "But remember, you're not alone. We're all in this together."

As they sat together in the quiet of the dormitory, Y/N's presence a beacon of solace in the darkness, Mattheo felt a weight lift off his shoulders. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, knowing that Y/N would be there to support him. As they stayed together, sharing their burdens, Mattheo realised that he had found a true friend in Y/N—one who would stand by him through even the darkest of times.

As the weight of their conversation settled upon them, Mattheo's eyelids grew heavy, exhaustion creeping in from the emotional toll of the evening. Y/N noticed his fatigue and gently guided him towards his bed, offering him a supportive arm.

"Come on, Mattheo," Y/N said softly, her voice soothing. "Let's get you some rest."

Mattheo nodded wearily, allowing Y/N to guide him to his bed. With her assistance, he settled down onto the mattress, his body sinking into the soft bedding.

"Thank you, Y/N," Mattheo murmured, his voice filled with gratitude as he closed his eyes, succumbing to the embrace of sleep.

Y/N smiled warmly, tucking the blanket around him before rising to her feet. "Get some rest, Mattheo," she whispered, her voice gentle. "I'll check on you in the morning."

With one last glance at her sleeping friend, Y/N quietly made her way to her dormitory, her heart heavy with the weight of their shared burdens. But as she lay down in her bed, in her dorm next to Pansy, she found solace in the knowledge that, despite the challenges they faced, she and Mattheo were not alone. And with that comforting thought, she drifted off into a peaceful sleep, with no idea about what the next day was about to bring.