The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 50 - A dream

Mattheo's POV

We didn't linger too long in bed, even though that's exactly what I wanted to do.

Last night's dreams warmed me from the inside.

Visions of the life Lyanna had painted for us, our cozy house, quiet evenings by the fire...

Babies.

No nightmares had plagued me despite the ongoing chaos.

These glimpses of possible happiness would fuel me, drive me forward.

My father had already taken enough from me, I wouldn't let him take my future with Lyanna too.

We took turns showering, giving each other some breathing room in order to mentally prepare for todays mission.

Getting into the ministry wouldn't be too difficult, especially with our polyjuice potion.

It was getting the locket from Umbridge that might cause some issues.

We had to be quick.

In and out.

The trouble with polyjuice potion is, it wears off, and if our identities slip, we'd be fucked.

Well, and truly fucked.

The common room pulsed with desperate energy, an undercurrent of fear and determination charging the air.

Students huddled in corners like conspirators, voices low but urgent as they planned their escape.

Enzo stood with Pansy near the fireplace, both their faces drawn tight with worry.

But it was Theo that caught my attention — the way he listened to the escape plans with an intensity that made my stomach clench.

I knew that look.

"What's going on?"

I asked Enzo, trying to keep my voice casual despite the dread building in my chest.

He exhaled slowly, arms crossed over his chest.

"A bunch of students are planning to overwhelm the ministry guards, force the front doors open."

"They won't be safe out there."

The words felt hollow even as I said them.

"Some of them are desperate to find their families, Matt."

Enzo's eyes met mine, carrying the weight of his own family's fate.

Corrina emerged from the crowd, her face set with a determination that made my heart sink.

I caught her arm gently, feeling the tremors running through her.

"You're not planning on leaving, are you?"

Her eyes — haunted and fierce — told me everything before she spoke.

"I can't stay here, Matt. My family hasn't replied to my owls in weeks, and they weren't in the paper. I need to know that they're ok."

"Corrina." I turned her to face me fully, willing her to understand what waited beyond these walls. "You can't go out there alone. It's not safe."

Tears brightened her eyes as she gave me a sad smile.

"We're not safe anywhere, though. Not really."

She slipped from my grasp like smoke through fingers.

Lyanna's hand found my back, warm and reassuring, but even her touch couldn't ease the growing sense of impending loss.

The entrance hall had devolved into pure chaos.