My real enemy / Mattheo Riddle

• WHAT BOUNDARIES •

The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't exactly friendly either. She was trying to pretend like she didn't want me there, but if that were true, she wouldn't have let me tag along. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, taking in the determined set of her jaw, the way her hair fell slightly out of place from sleep. She was always so damn put-together, so sharp and untouchable. Seeing her like this, disheveled, vulnerable felt like seeing something I wasn't supposed to. And for some weird reason, I liked it.

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Agnes Potter

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Mattheo's presence was making me a bit nervous, why did I let him go with me. Honestly I look like trash right now. I'm wearing my favorite sweat pants and matching hoodie, my hair was a bit tangled and my skin felt dry and dull. As the walk have gone on, nothing have been said about last night. Just like I had asked for so I'm not mad.

"Do you walk Milo every morning?" he asked, out of nowhere.

"No, i just let my dog stay inside all day" I say sarcastically.

He gave me a annoyed look and said "Answer my question" his voice now turned firm and a tad annoyed.

"Yes I do, and every evening. And the days I can't Harry usually dose it for me. He loved Milo just as much as I do" I tell him, not really sure why he asked me that.

"If you need help some day just hit me up. I like the quietness out here anyway"

I blinked, glancing at him. His offer caught me off guard. Mattheo Riddle, offering to help? That wasn't something I'd expect.

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied, keeping my tone neutral, trying my best to hide that I'm always nervous around him.

He nodded, his hands stuffed into his pockets as we walked. Milo trotted ahead, sniffing every blade of grass like it held some kind of hidden treasure. The silence stretched between us again, but this time it felt... different. I hated that I was hyper-aware of him, of the way he moved, the way he glanced around like he was cataloging everything about the grounds. He didn't seem like the type to appreciate the peacefulness of a morning walk, yet here he was, offering to join me like it was no big deal.

"What are you even doing up this early?" I asked finally, breaking the silence.

He smirked faintly, not looking at me. "Couldn't sleep."

Of course he couldn't. Mattheo probably didn't have much of a routine, let alone a healthy one. But I didn't push further. I didn't really want to dig into his personal life, it felt too intimate, and intimacy with Mattheo was dangerous. Or it at least feelt like it.

"Well, lucky for you, this isn't exactly a thrilling activity," I muttered.

He chuckled softly. "I don't mind. Besides, it's not like I have anything better to do."

I frowned, unsure how to respond. Was he being genuine, or was this just another one of his games? I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, catching the way his expression softened as he watched Milo.

"Why did you really come out here?" I asked after a beat, my curiosity finally winning.

He shrugged, his smirk returning. "I told you. I like the quiet."

I rolled my eyes. "Sure, Mattheo. The quiet. That's what drew you out of the castle at dawn."

His smirk widened, but he didn't answer. Instead, he looked ahead, his expression unreadable.