Beatrice Lestrange has always been an outsider in her own story. Born into one of the darkest families in the wizarding world, she grew up under the looming shadow of her infamous mother Bellatrix Lestrange.
Despite this, Beatrice is nothing like th...
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One of the best things about the aftermath of the second task was that everybody was very keen to hear details of what had happened down in the lake, which meant that Mattheo was getting to share Bea's limelight for once.
At first, he gave what seemed to be the truth; Dumbledore had put all the hostages into a bewitched sleep in Professor McGonagall's office, first assuring them that they would be quite safe, and would awake when they were back above the water. One week later, however, Mattheo was telling a thrilling tale of kidnap in which he struggled single-handedly against fifty heavily armed merpeople who had to beat him into submission before tying him up.
Of course, their friends did not believe anything he said.
Mattheo Riddle stood dramatically in the center, gesturing wildly as he recounted his "heroic" tale to an audience that was equal parts amused and skeptical.
—and there I was, surrounded by no fewer than fifty merpeople, all armed to the teeth with spears and tridents, — Mattheo declared, his voice filled with mock gravity. — They were chanting something in Mermish, no doubt a dark incantation to seal my fate, when I broke free from my bindings and fought them off. Barehanded, of course. —
Draco snorted, lounging on one of the leather couches. — Barehanded, was it? And here I thought I heard you were snoring like a baby while tied to a rock.—
The group erupted into laughter, with Blaise smirking behind his hand and Daphne hiding her giggles behind a book.
Mattheo placed a hand dramatically on his chest, feigning offense. — I see how it is. No faith in your old friend Mattheo. Beatrice, surely you can back me up. —
Beatrice was perched comfortably on a loveseat, Theo sprawled beside her with his arm casually draped along the back of the seat. She raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. — Oh, absolutely, — she deadpanned. — It was truly inspiring how you bravely... floated there, Mattheo. Like a true warrior. —
Pansy nearly choked on her drink, laughing as she swatted at Mattheo. — — Face it, Riddle, you've got about as much heroic credibility as Draco does humility. —
— Oi! — Draco protested, though he was grinning.
Mattheo wasn't deterred. He leaned closer to Theo, his grin wicked. — Don't listen to them, Nott. You should've seen it, the mermaids took one look at me and immediately realized I was the prize of the task. They couldn't resist capturing someone of my obvious charm and good looks.—
Theo tilted his head, pretending to consider this. — You're right. How could they possibly resist such a catch?— His tone was dripping with sarcasm, earning another round of chuckles.
— Exactly! — Mattheo declared triumphantly before collapsing onto a chair in mock exhaustion. — But all jokes aside, I've got to hand it to Bea. If it weren't for her, I'd probably still be down there, tied to that rock, dreaming about ways to kill Grindylows.—
