Descent - Mattheo Riddle

Chapter thirty-three

Lucia

June 19th, 1:15 p.m., Betsome Hill, Orders main base

The morning sun filtered through the enchanted windows, casting a soft glow over the room as I busied myself with packing. Every item I placed into my bag was chosen with care—potions for healing, enchanted tools for protection, a few rations for sustenance. We were even provided with clothes fitting for the desert and it's tempature. I could feel the weight of the day ahead pressing down on me, each minute that passed bringing us closer to the moment we would set our plan in motion. My hands moved with practiced efficiency, but my mind was racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

Mattheo and I had spent the better part of the morning going over our supplies, making sure we had everything we needed for the mission. I could see the tension in his jaw as he packed his own bag, the way his movements were precise, controlled. He was always like this before something big, focused and intent, but there was something more this time—an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

I couldn't help but steal glances at him as we worked, my thoughts drifting back to the conversation we'd had the night before. There was another closeness between us now that hadn't been there before, a bond that had been forged in the fires of our shared experiences. And yet, there was still so much I didn't understand—about him, about myself, about the connection that seemed to pull us together despite everything.

After we finished packing, we made our way to the office where Minerva and Kingsley were waiting for us. The air was thick with anticipation as we sat down across from them, the plan we'd been dreading finally laid out before us.

Minerva spread a detailed map of the Ministry of Magic across the table, pointing to key locations as she spoke. "The Ministry is heavily guarded, especially now that Voldemort has taken complete control. You'll need to be cautious, but if you follow this plan, you should be able to get in and out without raising too much suspicion."

Kingsley nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "The Polyjuice Potion will help with that. We've managed to acquire the DNA of two high-ranking Death Eaters—Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy. You'll take on their forms to gain access to the more secure areas of the Ministry."

At the mention of the Polyjuice Potion, Mattheo's brow furrowed in curiosity. "How did you manage to get their DNA?" he asked, his tone measured but clearly interested.

Kingsley's lips curled into a knowing grin. "Let's just say that Voldemort and his followers aren't the only ones with resources. We have our ways and means, too."

I couldn't help but admire the confidence in Kingsley's voice, the way he spoke with such assurance despite the dangerous task ahead. It gave me a small measure of comfort, knowing that we had allies who were just as capable as the enemy we were facing.

Minerva continued, her voice calm and authoritative. "Once you're inside, you'll need to find the right portkey to take you to the Arabian desert. The portkey is well hidden, and you'll need to be quick about it—there's no telling how much time you'll have before someone realizes you're not who you appear to be."

The weight of the mission settled heavily on my shoulders as I listened to their instructions. I couldn't shake the nerves that had been building inside me since the moment we'd learned of the plan. The thought of walking into the heart of the enemy's stronghold, even disguised, was enough to make my stomach twist with unease.

As we wrapped up the discussion, I couldn't help but glance at Mattheo again. His expression was unreadable, but I could sense the determination radiating off him in waves. He was ready for this, no matter the risks. He was never feared and he'd never budge for a challenge. Something I really admire him for.