The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 42 - Snakes

Lyanna's POV

Mattheo — my boyfriend, the word still sent thrills through me every time I thought it — and I didn't leave my room for the following two days.

We existed in our own little world, wrapped up in sheets and confessions and endless touches.

It was euphoric, intoxicating.

The knowledge that he was in love with me, and I with him, made everything feel heightened, more vivid somehow.

This had been the best Christmas break of my life, and its ending felt like waking from a perfect dream.

We'd spent hours discussing how to break the news to our friends, ultimately deciding to let them settle back in first.

The thought of eventually walking around Hogwarts freely with Mattheo's hand in mine made my stomach twist with equal parts anticipation and nerves.

I couldn't stop gushing over him in private, the fact that he was mine, properly mine, and soon everyone would know.

After a playful afternoon spent tangled in my sheets, reality finally called us back — it was time to welcome our friends' return.

I was genuinely excited to see Astoria, and more than a little intrigued about Pansy's situation.

Her abrupt departure before the break and subsequent silence felt loaded with unspoken drama.

"I'm so tempted to just kiss you in front of them and see what happens."

Mattheo said as we walked toward the castle entrance, watching students filter through the heavy doors with their trunks and owl cages.

I rolled my eyes, though my heart fluttered at the thought.

"We discussed this. Not just yet, we need to check the vibe first."

"Check the vibe?" He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I don't think they'd care."

"Remember, Pansy had a thing for you, and I have history with Enzo." I explained, trying to be diplomatic. "We need to be careful how we approach things."

"History?" Mattheo scoffed, his possessive streak showing. "You barely even kissed him. You had more history with me in the first week than you did the entirety of your short fling with Enzo."

"Stop being an ejit."

I laughed, smacking his stomach playfully as we walked down the path, our shoulders brushing with every step.

"Oh look, Theo, they're alive!"

Astoria's voice rang out as she struggled with her luggage, her cheeks pink from the cold.

"In one piece as well."

Theo added with a knowing wink that made me wonder exactly how he was able to keep our secret from his girlfriend.

I heard the commotion before I saw it — the unmistakable sound of a scuffle emanating from the carriage.

Pansy and Enzo burst into view, locked in what looked like a cross between a dance and a wrestling match.

Their pre-holiday argument had clearly festered over the break, growing more toxic with time.

Me, Mattheo, Theo, and Astoria stood in the ankle-deep snow, watching the spectacle unfold like a particularly entertaining play.

Steam rose from the thestrals' nostrils as they waited patiently, seemingly unbothered by the drama taking place behind them.

The tension finally snapped when Pansy, her face flushed with anger and cold, shoved Enzo with surprising force.