Mattheo Riddle One Shots

The Weight of Shadows

Words: 1505
Warnings: none
Summary: In the shadowy halls of Hogwarts, Y/n navigates a turbulent relationship with Mattheo Riddle, marked by secrets, heartache, and a sense of inevitable loss. As darkness encroaches on their lives, their love is tested in ways they never anticipated.

The first time Y/n met Mattheo Riddle, the air around them crackled with tension. It was the start of her second year at Hogwarts, and whispers about Mattheo, the enigmatic Slytherin, already circulated among the students. He had an aura that commanded attention—dark hair, sharp features, and an intensity that both intrigued and intimidated. Y/n couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him, even as caution tugged at her heart.

They met by chance one evening in the library, both seeking solace among the dusty tomes. She was deeply engrossed in a book on charms when she sensed someone watching her. Glancing up, she found Mattheo leaning against a nearby shelf, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Reading about how to cast the perfect Patronus?" he teased, his voice smooth like silk.

"Something like that," she replied, trying to sound unfazed but failing to hide her interest.

The days turned into weeks, and their encounters grew more frequent. A shared glance here, a playful banter there—each moment stoked the embers of something more. Yet, beneath the surface of their budding connection, a darkness loomed. Y/n often caught Mattheo lost in thought, shadows clouding his usually confident demeanor.

One chilly autumn evening, as they strolled the grounds, Y/n finally broached the subject. "You seem distant lately. Is something bothering you?"

Mattheo paused, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's nothing, really. Just... family stuff."

"Family stuff? Or Riddle stuff?" she asked gently, knowing well the weight of his surname.

His expression hardened for a moment, and Y/n immediately regretted prying. "You don't understand," he snapped, then softened, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's complicated."

"Try me," she urged, stepping closer.

Mattheo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My family... they have expectations. You wouldn't understand what it's like to live under that kind of pressure. It's suffocating."

"I may not know what it's like to be a Riddle, but I know what it feels like to carry weight on your shoulders. You don't have to go through this alone, you know."

He met her gaze, vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "Maybe I do."

As the weeks passed, the distance between them widened. Mattheo became increasingly withdrawn, his smiles growing scarce. Y/n tried to reach out, but he was often elusive, disappearing into the depths of Slytherin's dark corners.

One fateful evening, while sitting by the Black Lake, Y/n found herself wrestling with frustration. "You're shutting me out, Mattheo. I can't help you if you won't let me in."

He turned to her, frustration evident in his features. "I'm trying to protect you, Y/n. You don't know the darkness I'm dealing with. It's not just my family; it's everything that comes with it. I can't let you get hurt."

"Protect me? By pushing me away? That's not how it works!" she exclaimed, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

"I'm trying to keep you safe!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the water. "This isn't just about us. There are things happening that you don't understand!"

Y/n stepped back, her heart racing. "Then help me understand! Don't leave me in the dark."

He looked torn, the internal battle evident on his face. "I can't. I'm not the person you think I am."