My real enemy / Mattheo Riddle

• TELL ME I'M WRONG AGNES •

It took me a moment to process what had just happened. He hadn't engaged. He hadn't flirted back. For a second, I felt... relieved? Maybe even pleased? But Evelyn's face fell slightly, and she muttered something under her breath about needing to grab something, excusing herself with a forced smile.

As she walked away, Astoria turned to Mattheo with a pointed look. "That was a bit rude," she said, her tone sharp. "Evelyn's an amazing girl, and she obviously likes you."

Mattheo didn't miss a beat. "Well, I'm not into her, that's all," he said casually, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms. 

The words hung in the air, and I felt my stomach twist. His tone was indifferent, but there was something final about the way he said it.

Astoria huffed and turned back to the field, muttering something about "wasted potential." I tried to keep my face neutral, but inside, I felt a strange mix of satisfaction and confusion. I glanced at Mattheo out of the corner of my eye. He was watching the game, his jaw set, his focus unbreakable. For once, he wasn't smirking, wasn't teasing. He was just... there. I turned back to the field, my thoughts racing. Why did it matter to me what he said? Why did it matter that he didn't flirt back with Evelyn? Why did it make me almost feel good seeing her leaving because of the way Mattheo had responded?

I didn't have the answers, but as the game began and the crowd erupted into cheers, I couldn't shake the warmth that settled in my chest. But I'm still a bit unfocused over Mattheo's presence beside me. 

_____________________

The cheers from the Slytherin crowd still rang in my ears as I made my way back toward the dorms, a satisfied grin tugging at my lips. It had been a close game, but Slytherin pulled through with a victory, and the smug looks on Gryffindor's faces were enough to keep my spirit high. I climbed the stairs to the common room, ready to grab Milo and call it a night. Harry had left him with Regulus since my door had been locked, and I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I opened Reg's door. The sight that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. Milo was sprawled across Regulus's bed, his head tucked against Reg's chest. And Reg? He was out cold, a book balanced precariously on his sternum, rising and falling with each quiet breath.

I couldn't help it, I let out a soft laugh. The sound must've been louder than I intended because Reg stirred, his eyes blinking open groggily. Milo's head popped up at the same time, his floppy ears perking as he recognized me. Milo bounded off the bed and rushed toward me, tail wagging furiously as he practically bounced against my legs.

Regulus sat up, rubbing at his eyes. "He's exhausting," he muttered, his voice hoarse with sleep.

"He's a puppy," I said, scooping Milo up into my arms. "That's kind of their thing."

Reg glanced at the clock on his bedside table and groaned. "Next time, tell Harry to keep him until you're back. He didn't even let me finish my book."

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at the worn cover of some thick novel. "You were snoring when I walked in. Sure, Reg, blame it on the dog."

He rolled his eyes but didn't argue, leaning back against his headboard. "Go on, then. Take your little menace and let me sleep."

"Thanks for watching him," I said, giving him a small smile before turning to leave. Milo squirmed in my arms, clearly full of energy despite the long day.

Well back in my dorm, I opened the door to find Alex and Draco tangled up on her bed, their lips locked in a way that made me want to gag.

"Oh, come on," I said, shutting the door behind me. "If you're going to do that, at least go to his room. I live here too, you know."