The Riddle of Us *Mattheo x Reader*

Chapter 18 Fixing Shit

But determined.

He snatched his book off the table. Pansy was in the same class—she'd picked a bad time to get on his bad side.

He practically sprinted up the staircase, cutting through the corridors with long, fast strides until he reached the classroom once more.

He slipped through the door just as Professor Shirley was assigning partners.

"Ah, Mattheo," she said. "How would you like to be paired with Pansy?"

Perfect.

"That sounds great, Professor," Mattheo replied, flashing his most charming smile—the one he knew tended to make girls lose their train of thought.

He sauntered over to a table and slid into the seat beside Pansy.

"Now, class," Professor Shirley began, "today will be a simple revision of what we've covered so far. Work with your partners to create study guides and flashcards to prepare for next lesson's test."

The room erupted into chatter. Perfect. Now Mattheo could grill Parkinson about whatever had happened with Y/n.

"Alright, Mattheo," Pansy said, her fingertips brushing lightly over his arm. "What do you want to work on first—magical injuries or practical injuries?"

"I want you to tell me what you did to Y/n," he said flatly, brushing her hand away.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied, her face an unreadable mask.

"Parkinson, I'm not playing games. I want to know what happened with Y/n."

"Why does it matter? She's out of the picture," Pansy said, batting her lashes in a way that made him raise an eyebrow.

What the actual hell? Pansy and he were... friends, sort of. But she'd never acted like this with him before.

"What is wrong with you?" he asked, a dark edge creeping into his voice.

"There's nothing wrong with me," she said defensively, but her eyes betrayed her—pupils blown wide, a faint shiver running through her.

"Are you looking at my eyes, Mattheo?" she asked with a girlish giggle.

"Are you drugged?" he demanded.

"What? No! I'm not drugged... well, I am drugged—looking at you, maybe." She smirked.

So, yes. Definitely drugged.

He reached for her bag, tipping the contents across the desk. Among the quills and scraps of parchment was a pink water bottle, practically glowing. Mattheo uncapped it; the liquid shimmered faintly. The scent rose immediately—cigarette smoke, something metallic like blood, the clean sharpness of rain, and... something else. Soft, almost floral, but layered with something warmer he couldn't quite place.

It didn't matter. This was Amortentia—or something close enough.

"Pansy?" he asked, voice measured.

"Yes?" She beamed at him as if he'd just promised her the moon.

"How long have you been drinking this?"

"Oh, that? I don't know. Astoria keeps offering to fill it when she fills hers—win-win, really."

"How long has she been filling it for?"

"I'm not sure... since, like, three days ago? But I don't know." She giggled again, high and sweet.

He flipped open his textbook.

"What are you looking for?" she asked in a sing-song tone.

"Cures," he muttered, scanning quickly until he landed on the right section.

Potion Poison Slips
In the event of accidental ingestion of a harmful potion, swift and decisive action is paramount.

1. True Poisons and Toxins
If the substance is identified as a genuine poison, immediate intervention is essential. A bezoar—a stone taken from the stomach of a goat—serves as an effective antidote to many common poisons and certain magical toxins. Administer without delay.

2. Control Potions
When the ingested potion is a form of magical control—such as a Love Potion or a Compulsion Draught—it is important to note that such brews will naturally lose potency over time. However, in severe cases, the immediate preparation of a counter-potion is strongly advised. Refer to the list of required ingredients and brewing instructions on the following page.

3. Absence of Ingredients
Should the victim's condition allow, and if no antidotal ingredients are readily available, the safest course is to permit the potion to run its course whilst ensuring the victim consumes ample quantities of clean, uncontaminated water. This may aid in the dilution and eventual dissipation of the potion's effects.

Time. Water. He could brew an antidote, but without ingredients, he'd have to stick to the basics.

"Pansy, drink this. It'll make you feel better." He offered his own water bottle.

"Okay, handsome," she said, taking it and draining it without hesitation.

"Now, you just need to sit still and pay attention," he instructed, giving her the sort of look that usually made people obey without thinking.

"Alright," she agreed dreamily.

He handed her the textbook, tapping the page. "Read this—and finish the whole chapter."

When she nodded, he stood, already forming his excuse.

"Where are you going, Mattheo?" she asked, eyes following him.

"To the loo. You stay here."

"Professor, may I use the loo?" he asked, slipping on a polite smile he knew made him look perfectly innocent.

"Of course!" she replied.

He didn't wait for anything else—he was already halfway out the door.

—

Word Count:

—

HEEHEE, ALSO idk what happened I have a whole new schedule and its aclready not working this was supposed to be posted at 1:00 but idk why it didn't its whatever but thats annoying.