„Oh, my dear..." (Mattheo Riddle ff)

how they returned...

P.T.

„Where are they?" I asked for the probably fifth time in ten minutes. 

„I don't know. But they'll be here every moment." Mattheo answered like the four times before. 

Nervously chewing on my fingernails, I leaned back against his side on the bench.

„Stop that, you'll make them bleed!" he hissed, taking my hand away from his mouth and holding it firmly against his knee. 

„Sorry..." I muttered, resting my forehead against his shoulder. 

The ministry guy on the corner of the street gave us a disapproving look. 

„Is it just me or do you feel watched too?" I asked. 

„Don't know." he shrugged, glaring at the guy. „Could be the five ministry people observing us from every angle." 

„Hey, at least they're keeping a distance." I gave back, a rather weak attempt at lighting the mood. „Could be worse. We could be in magical handcuffs, right? We could be held at wand-point constantly." 

„Right..." Mattheo muttered, not really convinced. „I guess it could always be worse." 

Lifting my head from his shoulder, I looked around the bustling streets of London surrounding us. We were not too far from the main ministry, somewhere close to Kingscross station. Neither the many muggles nor the few other witches and wizards seemed to notice us sitting on a bench, with five ministry people observing us from different corners. 

But maybe, that was a good thing. So far, there had been no headline about what happened four days ago out at Malfoy Manor. Sure, the ministry and the minister knew. But the public had not been informed so far. 

Sooner or later though, someone would ask. 

About the sudden disappearance of Lucius Malfoy, Mr Nott, Lestrange and a few others. About the sudden flood of new prisoners in Azkaban. About five Hogwarts students and their DADA professor. 

And someone would have to answer. 

Probably the minister himself. Maybe Snape. Maybe us. 

What happened at Malfoy Manor was big. Massive. Dramatic. The witches and wizards of England would go wild once they found out. Our lives would change drastically. 

But right now, everything was still normal. Well, almost. We were being observed. Babysat by the ministry, if you will. But it was worth it, if I could finally see my sister again. 

After many discussions, the ministry had agreed to bring her here. They had picked her up at Luna's, with a letter I had written for her and her father, assuring them that everything was alright and that they could let them take Valery. 

And now, we were waiting. Waiting for my little sister to appear from behind some corner, to walk out of some street, some building. 

My leg nervously bumped up and down. If Mattheo hadn't held onto my hands so firmly, I would've been chewing on my nails again.

„What if she hates me for leaving her alone?" I whispered, a cold shiver running down my spine. 

„Okay, first of all, you didn't leave her alone." Mattheo said. „You took her to Luna. Second, why the hell would she hate you? She's eleven, not stupid. I'm sure she realised something was up back at Greyback castle already. And lastly, and most importantly: The only thing she will be feeling is relief to see you again! So stop worrying about unrealistic bullshit, and be happy that you get to see her again..."