The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 57 - Still mine

4 Months Since Dumbledore's Death

Mattheo's POV

"Expelliarmus!"

I fired back at the snatchers pursuing us through the darkening forest, the spell illuminating twisted branches like lightning.

My legs had grown heavy, muscles burning with exhaustion as I darted between old trees.

I was the last one in our scattered line, making me the easiest target.

Spells crackled past me from all directions, scorching bark and leaving the air thick with magical residue.

I could see the others splitting off ahead, blending into shadows.

The scene was becoming horrifyingly familiar — being discovered, chased, running for our lives.

A deadly dance we'd performed too many times now.

Voldemort knows.

He must've felt something when we destroyed the locket.

That connection, that moment when I saw Lyanna — it wasn't just a vision.

I was seeing through my father's eyes.

It had happened maybe twice before, but never that clearly.

How could it be though?

What did it mean?

"Oh come on, Riddle! We just want a little chat!"

The mocking voice cut through my thoughts.

Three snatchers were closing in, their footsteps thundering behind me.

I pushed forward, ignoring the stinging hexes that found their mark.

Suddenly, more snatchers materialised from the shadows.

One charging after Astoria, another pursuing Enzo, and a third lunging at me from the left.

I swerved around a massive oak, a cruciatus curse blasting bark where my head had been moments before.

If only Lyanna were here.

The thought came unbidden.

She'd have them all flying through the trees by now, her ancient magic making short work of these thugs.

"Death Eaters, being lead by a red-haired girl, has caused extreme damage to the lower east side of Diagon Ally."

My heart clenched as I pushed the memory away.

Ahead, Pansy caught my attention, her foot catching on a root.

She went down hard as a snatcher closed in, teeth bared in triumph.

My Redapto spell caught him square in the chest, sending him cartwheeling backward.

I raced forward, grabbed her arm, and hauled her up.

Taking her trembling hand in mine, I navigated through dense underbrush until the sounds of pursuit faded.

We ducked behind a massive tree, brambles providing extra cover.

Pansy's hand shook as she gripped her wand, her breathing coming in sharp gasps.

I peered through gaps in the thorny branches, searching for movement.

Nothing but shadows and silence.

Leaning my head against rough bark, I closed my eyes and tried to steady my breathing.