My real enemy / Mattheo Riddle

• WHAT BOUNDARIES •

The rest of the walk passed in relative silence, punctuated only by Milo's occasional barks or the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. By the time we circled back toward the castle, I felt the weight of his presence more than ever. The light outside hurt in my eyes, my hangover taking the best of me as i tried not looking directly into the sky.

"Thanks for letting me tag along," he said, his voice unusually sincere.

"Don't get used to it," I replied, half-joking. I did kind of like this, even if it was just the second time i could probably get used to it, him. But its not something I would ever want right now.

He grinned, but there was something in his eyes that made my chest tighten. "See you around, darling"

I watched as he turned and walked back toward the castle, his figure silhouetted against the morning light. Something about the way he carried himself felt heavier than usual, like there was more on his mind than he let on. The way he calls me darling doesn't annoy me in the same way as before.

Milo tugged at the leash, snapping me out of my thoughts. Shaking my head, I followed him inside, trying, and failing not to think about Mattheo.

______________________

I called in sick for the rest of the day, my hangover made me regret even saying yes to the party. I stayed in my dorm until Alex and all of the other students walked of for their first class for the day. I took that as a perfect opportunity to grab breakfast alone in the quiet. My footsteps echoed in the great hall as I approached one of the four long tables. I took a plate filling it with all typed of foods. Whatever my mind told me to get in the moment. I was way to hungry to think clear. Drinking on a empty stomach made this day even more tiring. I need food in my body, like now. I sat down to dig into my food and just as I took my first bite into the american pancake glazed with syrup my named was called from behind. A warm and familiar voice approached me making me turn around. Dumbledore!

"Hello Ms.Potter" his very low and calmed alt herd pitch made me listen even better.

"Hello Dumbledore" I respond.

"Why aren't you in class young girl?" He sat down beside me making me stop eating and look at him instead.

"I'm not feeling so well today" I tell him, that's the truth.

Dumbledore regarded me with a knowing look, his sharp eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. He always had a way of making me feel seen, even when I wasn't sure I wanted to be.

"I see," he said after a moment, his voice gentle but firm. "Though I hope you understand that the castle's walls can't always shield us from our responsibilities."

I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like a child caught sneaking sweets before dinner. "I know. I just needed a moment to... recharge, I guess."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting toward the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, where soft morning light filtered through a cloudy sky. "Self-care is important, Ms. Potter. Even the most capable among us must know when to pause. However..." He glanced back at me, his eyes piercing in their kindness. "We must also be mindful not to linger too long in avoidance. The world waits for no one, after all."

His words settled over me, heavy and oddly comforting at the same time. I nodded slowly. "You're right, sir."

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I often am," he said lightly, rising from the bench. "But do eat, and do rest. And perhaps, after your meal, consider how you might rejoin the day with renewed purpose."

I watched as he moved toward the doors, his robes billowing softly behind him. Dumbledore had a way of making you feel scolded and inspired at the same time. Turning back to my plate, I took another bite of the pancake, savoring the sweet syrupy taste. The food seemed to anchor me, pulling me out of my swirling thoughts. He was right. I couldn't hide forever. But just for now, this quiet moment was mine.