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When Laughter Fades

Mattheo Riddle x fem reader

Summary: Mattheo takes things too far with his "banter" and didn't notice y/n's feelings of hurt and anger until one day she decides to speak up and Mattheo has to change to keep the relationship steady

Authors note: Sorry anon for the wait this was randomly so hard

Word Count: 1070

Mattheo Riddle loved pulling pranks. They brought him joy and amusement, especially when his favorite target, Y/N, was involved. She usually laughed along with him, but he didn't realize how close he was to crossing the line until today.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the Slytherin common room was buzzing with students enjoying their free time. Y/N was seated at a table, diligently working on an essay for Potions class. Mattheo, ever the prankster, watched her from across the room, a devious idea forming in his mind.

He slipped out of the common room and returned moments later with a small enchanted box. Inside it was a jinxed snake that would leap out and hiss at whoever opened it. He approached Y/N's table with a casual grin.

"Hey, Y/N, I found this weird box in the Room of Requirement. Want to see what's inside?" he asked, holding out the box to her.

Y/N glanced up, raising an eyebrow but smiling. "Sure, Mattheo. Let's see it."

As soon as she opened the box, the snake leaped out, hissing loudly. Y/N screamed, knocking over her ink bottle in the process. Ink splattered all over her essay and her robes. Her face paled, and then flushed with a mix of fear and anger.

"Mattheo, what the hell!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

Mattheo's grin faltered. "It's just a prank, Y/N. It's a fake snake, see?"

He picked up the snake, which had now returned to its inanimate state, and showed it to her. But Y/N wasn't laughing.

"Just a prank? Look at my essay, my robes! This isn't funny, Mattheo. You always do this, and I'm sick of it!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she glared at him.

"Y/N, I didn't mean to—" Mattheo started, but she cut him off.

"That's the problem, Mattheo. You never mean to, but you always end up hurting me. Maybe you should think before you act."

With that, she turned on her heel and left the common room, leaving Mattheo standing there, guilt and regret washing over him. He watched her go, the weight of his actions sinking in.

Days passed, and Y/N avoided Mattheo. The usual spark in her eyes was gone, replaced by a guarded, wary look. Mattheo's heart ached every time he saw her, knowing he had put that look there. He had to make things right, but he didn't know how. Apologies had never been his strong suit.

One evening, after searching for Y/N around the castle, Mattheo finally found her in the library, sitting in a secluded corner. Her face was buried in her arms, and she looked up as he approached, her eyes red-rimmed from crying.

"Y/N," he said softly, approaching her table. "Please, can we talk?"

She looked up, her expression weary. "What do you want, Mattheo?"

"I want to apologize. I was an idiot, and I took things way too far. I never wanted to hurt you, but I did. I'm so sorry, Y/N."

"You always say you're sorry, but then you do it again. How can I believe you this time?"

"I know I've messed up," he continued, "but I promise I'll change. No more pranks, no more teasing. I care about you, and I don't want to lose your friendship."

Y/N stood up, her frustration boiling over. "You care about me? You have a funny way of showing it. Every time I start to trust you, you pull another stupid prank. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?"

"Y/N, please, I never meant to hurt you. I just thought it was all in good fun."

"Good fun? Fun for who, Mattheo? Because it's not fun for me. It's humiliating and cruel."

Mattheo felt his heart sink. He hadn't realized just how much pain he had caused her. "I... I didn't see it that way. I thought we were just playing around."

"Playing around? This isn't a game, Mattheo. These are my feelings. And every time you pull one of your 'pranks,' it feels like you're saying my feelings don't matter."

"I'm sorry," Mattheo said, his voice breaking. "I really am. I don't want to lose you, Y/N."

She sighed, her anger giving way to exhaustion. "I don't know if I can trust you again, Mattheo. You've hurt me too many times."

"I'll prove it to you," he said desperately. "I'll show you that I can change. No more pranks, I swear. Just give me a chance."

Y/N looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and doubt. "Alright, Mattheo. But this is your last chance. If you hurt me again, we're done."

He nodded fervently. "I won't let you down. I promise."

In the days that followed, Mattheo made good on his promise. He was attentive, considerate, and kind. He helped Y/N with her studies, brought her favorite snacks, and most importantly, he listened. But he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that things weren't the same. Y/N was more reserved, her laughter less frequent, and Mattheo feared that he had caused irreparable damage.

One night, as they sat by the lake, watching the sunset, Y/N broke the silence. "Mattheo, do you ever think about the future?"

He glanced at her, surprised by the question. "Sometimes. Why?"

"I've been thinking a lot lately. About us, about everything that's happened. I want to trust you, but it's hard. Every time I see you, I remember the hurt."

Mattheo's heart clenched. "Y/N, I promise I'll never hurt you again. I care about you so much."

She turned to him, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and sorrow. "I want to believe you, Mattheo. But it's going to take time."

"I know. And I'm willing to wait, to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder, a small gesture of trust. "Thank you, Mattheo."

As they sat there, wrapped in each other's presence, Mattheo knew that this was his chance to prove himself. The road to healing would be long and difficult, but he was determined to show Y/N that he valued her far more than any prank or joke. He would cherish her, protect her, and make sure that her laughter returned, brighter and more genuine than ever before.

Endless Again

Mattheo Riddle x fem reader

Summary: A love that has turned into a cycle of fights and makeups. Y/N reflects on how they first met and how their love blossomed, but also how things started to go wrong

w/c: 931

The door slammed shut behind him, the sound like a gunshot in the stillness of the room. My heart seized in my chest, every beat echoing in the silence that followed. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Not again.

I sank onto the couch, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me, crushing the breath from my lungs. How many times had we been here? How many times had I watched him walk away, only to come back like a storm I couldn’t escape?

“You just made the worst mistake, and you’ll regret it, darling,” rang in my mind, a cruel reminder of the endless cycle we were trapped in. Every time we fought, every time we tore each other apart, I swore it would be the last time. But it never was. I always let him back in, clinging to the hope that maybe this time would be different.

But it never was.

“’Cause once you give and then you take, you’ll only end up wanting…”

I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging at the roots as if the pain could distract me from the chaos inside my head. Mattheo had always been a mystery, an enigma wrapped in shadows. From the moment we met, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the pull of his dark, brooding presence. But that same intensity that set my soul on fire was slowly burning me alive.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to drown out the memories that flooded my mind. The way he looked at me when we first met, as if I were the only person who existed in his world. The way his touch could send shivers down my spine, making me feel more alive than I ever had. But with that passion came a price—a never-ending cycle of love and destruction that left me shattered every time.

The first time we broke up, it felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest, leaving nothing but a gaping wound that refused to heal. He had come back, whispering apologies and empty promises, and like a fool, I let him in. We’d always been stronger together, I told myself. But now, as I sat alone in the suffocating silence, I wasn’t so sure.

“Was everything you ever said, was everything you ever did… true?”

The question gnawed at me, consuming every rational thought. Had anything between us ever been real, or had we just been fooling ourselves, clinging to a love that was as toxic as it was intoxicating? I had always wanted to believe that I knew him, that I was the one person who could see past the walls he built around himself. But now, I wasn’t so sure.

The door creaked open, and I flinched, my heart leaping into my throat. Mattheo stood in the doorway, his expression hard to read. He was always so composed, so controlled, but tonight, there was something different in his eyes—something broken.

He stepped into the room, the tension between us palpable. “I’m sorry,” he said, the words barely audible, as if they were choking him.

“And I can’t get you out of my brain…”

I stared at him, my mind racing, desperate to find the right words. But what could I say? That I wanted to believe him? That I wanted to believe that this time, his apology meant something? But deep down, I knew the truth. We were going in circles, trapped in a cycle we couldn’t break free from.

“Mattheo,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “we can’t keep doing this. We can’t keep hurting each other like this. It’s tearing us apart.”

His eyes flickered with something—guilt, regret, maybe even fear—but he didn’t move closer. Instead, he looked away, his jaw tightening as if he was fighting back everything he wanted to say but couldn’t. “I know,” he murmured, his voice raw. “But I don’t know how to stop.”

The silence between us was suffocating, every second stretching into eternity. I wanted to reach out, to pull him close, to tell him that we could figure this out, that we could find a way to make it work. But I couldn’t. Because I wasn’t sure if I believed it myself anymore.

Without another word, Mattheo turned and walked out the door, leaving it to close softly behind him this time. I stood there, staring at the space where he’d been, my heart shattering all over again.

“But I just keep on coming back to you…”

I wanted to scream, to cry, to tear the world apart because it felt like that’s what was happening inside me. I had given him everything—my heart, my soul, my very being—and yet it was never enough. We were never enough.

But as much as I wanted to believe that this was the end, deep down, I knew I was already waiting for the next time he’d walk back into my life. Because no matter how much it hurt, I couldn’t imagine a world without him in it.

“I never thought that I would see you again…”

The tears finally came, hot and relentless, as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Maybe this was the end. Maybe this was the last time. But even as I thought it, a part of me knew it wasn’t. Because love like ours didn’t just end—it destroyed everything in its path until there was nothing left.

And maybe that was the worst part of all.

You're Not Your Father

Mattheo Riddle x fem reader

Summary: Mattheo doesn't believe he makes y/n feel safe because he's Voldys son and y/n makes him see that Mattheo is not like Voldy

w/c: 1289

Mattheo Riddle stood in the dimly lit corridor, leaning against the cold stone wall, his arms crossed over his chest. His dark eyes, usually so intense, softened as they met mine. I approached cautiously, my footsteps echoing in the quiet until I was close enough to see the faint worry etched on his face.

"I make you feel... safe?" Mattheo repeated, his voice gruff and filled with disbelief. He balked at the idea, furrowing his brow. "You're sure? Me?"

I smiled, a small, gentle curve of my lips. I wanted to reach out and touch him, to reassure him, but I held back for now. "You seem all gruff and angry, Mattheo, but you do honestly care about me. At least it feels like you do."

His jaw tightened, and he looked down at the ground, a heavy silence settling between us. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle to reconcile what I was saying with the image he had of himself. How could he not see what I saw? To him, he was nothing more than the son of the Dark Lord, destined to carry on his father’s legacy. Darkness had always been his identity, his fate.

"You don't understand," he muttered, frustration and desperation lacing his voice. "I’m not the kind of person who makes anyone feel safe. I'm not... good."

My heart ached hearing him say that. I knew he believed it, but I couldn’t let him think that way. I took a step closer, refusing to let him retreat into the shadows. "I know who you are, Mattheo. I know who your father is. But you’re not him."

His reaction was immediate—he recoiled slightly, his eyes narrowing as if my words had struck him. "I'm his son," he snapped back, anger flaring. "I have his blood, his darkness. People fear me because of him—because they think I’ll become him."

His voice was filled with a raw anger that made my chest tighten. But beneath that anger, I could hear the fear, the doubt. He was so used to being seen as a threat, as someone to be feared, that he couldn’t comprehend the idea of being anything else.

"But you’re not him," I insisted, my voice firm but gentle. I stepped closer, my heart pounding in my chest as I reached out to him. My fingers brushed against his, and I could feel the tension in his body. "You’re not defined by him, no matter what anyone says. You get to choose who you are."

Mattheo shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "You don't know what you're talking about," he said, but his voice wavered, the conviction in his words faltering. "I can’t be anything but this. It’s in my blood."

I could see the war raging inside him—the fear that he was doomed to follow in his father’s footsteps, that darkness was his destiny. But I refused to let him believe that. I took another step closer, my hand gently intertwining with his. He didn’t pull away, and that gave me hope.

"You’re not your father, Mattheo," I whispered, my voice filled with all the emotion I’d been holding back. "You’re your own person. You have a choice. And I see you—the real you."

For a moment, he just stared at me, his dark eyes searching mine as if trying to find some hint of deception. But there was none. I meant every word. I saw past the cold exterior, past the reputation he carried like a shield. I saw the boy who cared, who was capable of so much more than he gave himself credit for.

Slowly, he exhaled, the tension in his body starting to ease. "Maybe," he started, his voice barely above a whisper, "maybe you’re the only one who’s ever made me feel like I could be that person."

I smiled, a small tear slipping down my cheek as I closed the distance between us. I reached up, gently cupping his cheek in my hand. He leaned into my touch, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment, as if he was allowing himself to believe it too.

"You don’t have to be anyone else," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "Just be you. That’s enough for me."

For the first time, I saw something in Mattheo's eyes that I hadn’t seen before—hope. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it was there. And as we stood there, in the shadows of the castle, I knew that maybe, just maybe, I could be the light he needed to guide him out of the darkness he had lived in for so long.

He opened his eyes again, and for a moment, we just stood there, locked in a silent exchange that spoke louder than any words ever could. I could feel the heat of his skin against my palm, the subtle tremor of his breath as he struggled to hold onto the fragile hope I’d offered him. It was as if he was standing on the edge of a precipice, torn between stepping back into the safety of the darkness he knew so well and daring to reach for the light I held out to him.

"You don’t understand what it’s like," he finally whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Every day, I feel like I’m fighting against something inside me, something that’s always trying to pull me under. It’s like there’s this darkness in my blood, in my very soul, and no matter how hard I try, it’s always there, waiting to take over."

I tightened my grip on his hand, my heart breaking for him. "You’re stronger than you think, Mattheo," I said softly. "You’ve been fighting that darkness your whole life, and you’re still here. That takes strength. You’re not alone in this fight anymore. I’m here with you."

His eyes widened slightly, as if the idea of having someone by his side, someone who truly cared about him, was something completely foreign. "Why?" he asked, his voice barely more than a breath. "Why would you want to help me? I’m... dangerous. I’m the son of Voldemort, Y/N. I’m not someone you should be around."

I shook my head, feeling a fierce determination rise within me. "You’re not your father," I repeated, my voice steady. "You’re Mattheo. And I see you. I see the person you are, not the person you’re afraid you might become. You have a good heart, no matter how much you try to hide it. And I’m not going to walk away just because it’s hard. I’m not afraid of you, Mattheo."

The silence stretched between us again, thick with unspoken emotions. I could see the turmoil in his eyes, the way he struggled to accept what I was saying. But I also noticed something else—something that made my heart swell with hope. For the first time, he looked like he wanted to believe me, like he was daring to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could be something more than his father’s legacy.

Tentatively, he lifted his other hand to cover mine, holding it against his cheek as if it were the only thing anchoring him to reality. "I don’t know how to be anything else," he admitted, his voice trembling. "But I want to try... for you."

I smiled, my heart swelling with a mixture of relief and love. "That’s all I ask," I whispered, my thumb brushing gently against his skin. "Just try. I’ll be here every step of the way."

And at that moment, as we stood together in the shadows, I realised that we were both finding something we hadn’t known we were looking for—a sense of safety and belonging in each other.

hi!

i was wondering if i could request a slytherin boy reacts or a imagine up to you

but what about reader who’s starting to have a drug addiction and they are daiting her and she’s turning into a crappy person but they love her so they try and help her

M.R. || Tell your baby that i’m your baby

Summary: In the midst of substance abuse and a relationship in crisis with Mattheo Riddle, you face a painful intervention from worried friends, leading to an emotional breakdown in the arms of your best friend, Pansy.

Warnings: abuse in substance use, potential trigger.

A/N: I apologize for the delay in the request, but I really had a hard time getting inspired... I reinforce here the importance of seeking help in cases like this. I hope you like it!

Open orders!

The morning light invaded the room, crossing the half-open curtains and spreading across the wooden floor as a cruel reminder of the reality you didn't want to face. The distant echo of last night's party still reverberated in his mind, accompanied by an insistent headache and an exhaustion that seemed to consume everything around him. Since you and Mattheo started getting involved, parties have become a common scenario. He, always the center of attention, with his carefree and enigmatic way, attracted everyone around him. And you, always by your side, immersed in a mixture of pleasure and adrenaline that offered the temporary escape you wanted so much.

At first, it was all light. A marijuana cigarette here, a drink there. Mattheo never intended to drag you to a darker path, but before you even met him, you were already flirting with something more dangerous. It came from a family that exerted invisible but overwhelming pressures. The expectation of perfection, the weight of a surname, everything you did never seemed to be enough. Substances were a way to escape, to anesthetize the pain it carried inside. What began as curiosity quickly turned into an insidious habit, always with the excuse ready: "I stop whenever I want." But over time, this promise seemed more and more distant and empty.

You thought you were hiding well, but your closest friends began to notice the changes. Pansy, always attentive and insightful, was the first to notice. During one of the recent parties, she saw you running to the women's bathroom, her look disturbed and her hands trembling. When she entered, she found you using cocaine in the sink, her eyes dilated and lost in an abyss she couldn't reach.

She was in shock, unable to believe what she saw.

- Are you sure of what you're doing? - she asked, her voice low, but loaded with genuine concern.

- I know how to take care of myself, Pans. - You answered, with a false confidence, the same mask you wore for everyone. Pansy knew that it was a lie, a sign that things were much worse than anyone imagined.

She was the one who told Mattheo. One night, when he could no longer stand his emotional absence and erratic behaviors, Pansy hesitated, but knew he needed to know.

- She won't forgive me for that - she said to him, as she saw his gaze harden with the revelation. - But she's sinking, and you need to do something.

Mattheo already suspected it. The frequent escapades, the erratic behavior, the lies. Theodore, always more reserved, had also talked about his concerns, about how his behavior at parties was becoming unpredictable, and how he and Pansy were genuinely concerned. "You are no longer the same," Theo once said, looking deep into his eyes, trying to find the friend who seemed to have disappeared. But you always avoided these confrontations.

Now, sitting on the edge of the bed, Mattheo seemed distant, lost in thoughts you would prefer him not to have. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the heavy and slow breathing of both. He had spent the night reflecting on what Pansy had told him and every time his friends looked at you with a mixture of worry and sadness, but they never knew what to say.

- We need to talk. - he said, finally, without even turning to face you.

You turned to the side, trying to ignore the weight of your words, the body still heavy from the excesses of the night before.

- About what, Matt? It was just another party. You don't have to do drama.

He got up, taking a few steps around the room before finally staring at you. The look, usually so carefree and seductive, was now loaded with a seriousness that bothered you deeply.

- It's not just about the party. It's about you. About what's happening to you.

Those words hit like a punch. The air became heavy, the light morning weather dissipating while the subject you had been avoiding for so long finally emerged.

- I'm fine. You're exaggerating. - you replied, trying to move away the gravity of the moment.

Mattheo took another step forward, the frustration now clearly visible.

- I'm not exaggerating. Pansy told me what happened. She saw you.

His stomach sank when he heard this. A wave of anger and shame rose through his body, mixed with the desperate need to defend himself.

- She had no right to tell you.

- Of course there was. - Mattheo replied, her voice firm. - She's worried about you. Theo too. We all are. You're no longer in control, and I can't pretend this is normal anymore.

His words cut like a sharp blade. Anger bubbled in his veins, uncontrollable.

- I'll stop whenever I want! I don't need anyone to tell me what to do! - your voice was loud, hard, loaded with an aggressiveness that masked the truth you refused to admit: you were completely out of control.

He shook his head, his eyes full of sadness and exhaustion.

- You always say that, but it never stops. And it's getting worse every day. This is consuming you, and I can't watch it anymore.

- I know what I'm doing! - you screamed, the anger overflowing, the body shaking.

Mattheo sighed, his shoulders falling, as if carrying the weight of an unbearable burden.

- I just want to help you, but you're not letting me. I won't lose you for that.

His words hovered in the air, but you were blinded by anger and pride. Without answering, you turned around, marching towards the door.

- I don't need your help! - he repeated, more to himself than to him, before slamming the door hard, leaving him alone with his unspoken words.

When leaving the room, the hallway seemed suffocating. The air was heavy and oppressive, the walls seemed to close around it. Anger was still burning, but underneath it, something darker and more painful moved - an overwhelming loneliness that you refused to face.

It was then that you saw Pansy in the hallway, the look immediately worried when he noticed the tears on his face and the crumpled clothes of the night before. She approached with caution, but with determination.

- Hey, how are you? - the soft voice, but full of concern.

- What do you think, Pansy? - you shot, the voice harsh and bitter. - You saw me yesterday. And he was still running to tell Mattheo.

Pansy sighed, stopping in front of him, without letting himself be shaken by his aggressiveness.

- I told you because I'm worried about you. Because I love you and I won't be with my arms crossed.

- Why does everyone think they know what's best for me? - you shouted, anger mixed with frustration and pain. - You don't know anything!

She took another step, determined.

- I know you're suffering. And no matter how much you push me away, I won't give up on you.

Her words finally broke something inside you. Anger was replaced by an overwhelming despair. You tried to resist, but when Pansy hugged you firmly, you collapsed into your arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

- I can't do it anymore... - you murmured, your voice broken by pain. - I don't know what to do.

Pansy held you harder.

- You don't have to do it alone. I'm here.

But despite this moment of vulnerability, something dark continued to grow inside you. In the days that followed, instead of accepting the help, you started pretending. Dissimulate. It showed others what they wanted to see, while the addiction deepened. Laugh at the right times, smile in the conversations. But behind that, you were increasingly sunk in drugs, more and more isolated.

Mattheo, however, saw through his mask. He found evidence that you had never stopped. When he confronted you again, the tension between you was unbearable.

- You never stopped, did you? - he asked, his voice full of frustration.

- I'm fine. - You lied once again.

- No, you're not. And he never was. - he replied, in disbelief.

Without taking it anymore, you left again, disappearing for days, isolated at home. When you returned to Hogwarts, the abyss between you, your boyfriend and your friends seemed irreparable. Mattheo and Pansy were astonished, unable to fully understand the depth of their denial. Each encounter turned into an emotional battle, with sharp words and intense discussions that only deepened the division.

His routine was full of lies and hiding places. The parties, formerly his refuge, were now an arena of internal confrontation. The momentary relief of substances was quickly replaced by a cycle of guilt and despair. You saw yourself sunk in a loneliness that you could not escape, a loneliness that manifested itself not only in moments of silence, but also in the way you moved away from everyone who tried to help you.

The void I was trying to fill with drugs was becoming an even bigger hole. His nights in the clear were filled with the echo of his own lies and the growing feeling that he was losing his own identity. The mirror, which once reflected a person full of life and promising, now showed someone almost unrecognizable, worn and dejected.

Finally, on an especially dark night, when the feeling of hopelessness seemed almost unbearable, you found yourself again in the aisle of Hogwarts, a place that now seemed so far from home. The mind was in turmoil, and the words of Mattheo, Pansy and Theodore echoed without ceasing. The need to escape was overwhelming, but the feeling of being cornered, with no way out, finally began to prevail.

It was then that you had a painful epiphany, a moment of clarity that emerged from the crisis. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of this labyrinth of pain and denial. The first step was to recognize that control had been lost a long time ago and that it really needed help.

With a heavy heart and a shaken spirit, you decided to seek help. It was a small but crucial step, and you knew it wouldn't be easy. Mattheo, Pansy and Theodore were there to support you, and with a renewed effort, you began to seek the support you needed. It was the beginning of a long and arduous path, but for the first time in a long time, there was a spark of hope on the horizon. And for the first time, you were willing to fight for yourself, to face the truth and finally begin to rebuild what had been broken.

____________________________

masterlist

xoxo, bee🫶🏼✨

hii! absolutely love ur posts 🫶🫶

i was wondering if you'd write a bsfs to lovers, mattheoxreader. Like, they've been childhood friends, and kinda of a 'she fell first, he fell harder' lol. Kinda corny but still vv cutesy and fluffy

totally alr if not!

tysm 💗

M.R. || In how many ways can you love him?

Summary: You and Mattheo grew up together, but falling in love with him didn't seem like a good idea, unless he came to do the same some time later…. Warnings: cute and romantic.

A/N: I really hope you like it. I apologize for the delay, I wanted to do something well done!

Open orders!

He was still a child when their paths crossed for the first time. The boy, with black curls and a somewhat lost look, sat next to him at the huge Slytherin table, right after the Selector Hat ceremony. The table, with its long wooden benches and a soft lighting that seemed to emanate a mystical glow of floating candles, was the stage of new friendships and alliances.

You watched him with curiosity and a warm smile, a friendly gesture that for him was almost a surprise. Raised in a home where feelings were non-existent, his kindness seemed like a strange contrast, but welcome. The last name, which made whispers circulate through the hall and kept the teachers on alert, was something that did not intimidate you. After all, you had always been immune to family pressures and expectations, living your childhood immersed in imagination and carefree games, with no time to understand what surnames were good or bad for you. The only daughter of a traditional family, pure-blood and fervently loyal to obscure figures, you at the time barely knew the true extent of the influence of these individuals.

Mattheo, with few friendship options in his new environment, has found in you a safe haven. Without knowing it, he was about to enter into a relationship that would become a fundamental foundation in his life. His family, despite not being overly affectionate, was a better refuge than the dark environment provided by Bellatrix. Accepting Mattheo was a gesture of generosity that quickly became something essential; he found in his house a new form of belonging, mainly because, due to the implicit rivalry, the family itself would not welcome him with open arms, especially Draco, with whom he had a feeling of competitiveness created by the blonde.

The birthdays and natals in his house became annual milestones for Mattheo, and he became a constant and comforting presence during his pre-adolescence. The proximity between you has grown, and in several moments, he became your closest friend. During the first year at Hogwarts, you explored every corner of the school with enthusiasm and mischief. Mattheo, with bright eyes and a mischievous smile, ventured in search of Pirraça, the poltergeist, and together, you two created confusions that made the uncontrolled spirit want to move away.

In the second year, a visit to Hogsmeade brought a new layer to their friendship. It was there that you met Theodore Nott, a boy who, despite his closed and reserved countenance, found in you a welcoming and genuine friendship. At the same time, your approach with Pansy Parkinson, the girl with whom you shared the room, brought a new balance to your social life. Having a close female friend was a refreshing relief, a company that contrasted with the intense and often overwhelming presence of the boys.

Mattheo, always attentive and available, listened to his complaints and confessions with a patience that bordered on the exceptional. He offered thoughtful advice, and you trusted him completely. However, there were nuances of your feelings that you began to perceive, something subtle and still in formation, as if a veil of change began to be drawn. You initially ignored these changes, preferring to stay in the course of friendships and daily adventures.

Over time, during the end of the second year, murmurs and malicious jokes arose about the proximity between you and Mattheo. Some colleagues began to speculate and make insinuating comments about the nature of your relationship. Despite the provocations, you kept your composure, simply disregarding the gossip and continuing to enjoy the solid friendship you had built. For you, what really mattered was the genuine bond you shared, a firm foundation in a world full of uncertainties and intrigues.

During that year's vacation, you exchanged letters and met a few times. In each of these encounters, his heart seemed to beat faster and differently, as if he was trying to free himself from a subtle enchantment. The way you watched him changed: every detail of your face, every trace of your expression seemed more intense and fascinating. He looked even more handsome when he smiled, and every time that happened, you felt a mixture of admiration and anxiety.

His parents, who always preferred a male child, treated Mattheo almost as if he were a family member. Gifts, school expenses and even money for fun were offered to him with the same generosity as to you. This closeness made your feelings for Mattheo slow to emerge, since you were treated and treated like brothers, which sometimes made you lose hope.

Her best friend, Pansy, soon realized what was happening. At the beginning of the third year, on the night of her return to Hogwarts, she listened carefully as you talked about the holidays and how much Mattheo showed up at your house, something you loved.

- You really like him, don't you? - Pansy asked, with a suggestive tone that made you turn quickly to face her.

- What do you mean by that? - Your shame made you turn to the bed, pretending to fix the covers while your face turned scarlet. - Of course I like him, we grew up together.

Pansy rolled her eyes, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she prepared to sleep.

- You know that's not what I'm talking about... - You sighed, trying to divert the conversation. - Please, he'll never notice how you feel if you keep treating him just like a friend.

You considered what she said, but soon tried to change the subject to escape the restlessness.

- Pansy, let's stop this and sleep. - You laughed, trying to disguise, but as soon as your head rested on the pillow, your mind wandered to that afternoon when other girls threw themselves on Mattheo. He seemed to have changed so much since the previous year, and you only noticed now.

[...]

In the following weeks, you experienced some silly things, like wearing a perfume that he complimented some time ago, or sitting with him in class, enjoying every joke he told you in whispers. You even rested your head on your shoulder during the late afternoon, while watching the Black Lake with its waves swinging to the taste of the light wind.

Every week that passed, you seemed even more attracted to him, but also more and more upset. The girls cared little about his presence when they wanted to flirt with him, and he always corresponded, every time, without exception. Weeks turned into months and, when you realized, you had already been going through this anguish for a year.

You had made your feelings so evident that even Theodore noticed. In a Snape class, after seeing you turn to his and Mattheo's table and smile at Riddle, Theodore leaned over to his friend to whisper something inaudible to the others.

- I think she likes you. - Mattheo frowned, with a confused expression.

- Who are you talking about? - Theo didn't answer with words, he just directed his eyes to you. Riddle followed his friend's gaze and became even more confused, but forced a laugh. - Oh, please, Theo...

- You're pathetic for pretending you don't see. - Theodore commented and laughed, going back to what he was doing, while Mattheo nodded negatively, completely disagreeing with Nott.

On the other hand, Pansy asked you to forget him, seeing how sad you looked every time he canceled appointments with you to go out with other girls. When it wasn't for that, it was when he came to tell you about how the girls were with him. His heart shattered with every word. Pansy began to practically hate him for having the power to do you good and evil at the same time.

- Maybe you should take some time for yourself... We can go out and go shopping or sleepovers with the other girls. - She suggested, stroking her hair while you hugged her after telling her what had happened this time. - You need to get away from him, Y/N. Mattheo may have been your first love, but it certainly won't be the last.

You understood all this, but it was very difficult to put it into practice. It was like tearing out a part of your life by force. The way he didn't seem to have noticed your absence in the following days only encouraged you to continue.

You did everything Pansy suggested: you went out with her, made new friends, and even other boys started to be more interested in you. Mattheo ended up looking for you after some time and you even gently accepted him, but it was as if you were just friends now. You began to understand that he would never really see you in any other way than that, and maybe this was already starting to be acceptable to you.

The relationship with him seemed lighter after this break. You went out a few times to Hogsmeade, and you made him laugh easily under the watchful eye of Theodore, who usually accompanied you. He, as Mattheo's closest friend now, was starting to like how you interacted. Before, he felt a certain guilt and even pity for seeing you sad, but now it was as if you didn't care about the girls' looks anymore.

At the same time, you began to notice the presence of a certain boy, who smiled at you when he met you in the corridors or during classes. Riddle began to miss the times when you turned your face to smile at him every morning in early classes. Instead, he saw you answering small notes that other boys sent you in class. In a job passed by McGonagall, Mattheo practically ran to you to make sure they would do the job together.

The roles seemed to have reversed, and Theodore had fun with the irony of fate. Mattheo hated it when the boys flirted with you, even when he was together, or when they pretended to have problems in some subject just to spend hours with you in the library. And even more so when they insisted on accompanying her to her dormitory after the parties in the communal room. The latter was a huge torture for him, since he knew that this was one of the ways the boys used to finally kiss someone.

The morning after that party, you sat next to Mattheo during breakfast, as you always did. Yes, he tortured himself all night thinking about how long that boy who found you in the dark corridors took to return to the common room, but he tried to ward off this thought, focusing on the fact that on that day, you would go out together and everything would go back to normal. However, his happiness lasted a few minutes.

- So, where are we going first today? - Mattheo asked with a smile on his face, leaning towards you. His face, however, formed a strange expression, something like regret. - What was it?

- Matt, I'm sorry. I completely forgot that we scheduled to go out today... - He was still confused, he just smiled in response, as if the answer was obvious.

- All right, Theo and I can wait for you. - Theodore, on the other hand, had already understood what was happening and just muffled a low laugh.

- No, Mattheo, I'm ready... - His face looked even more confused as he stared at you, who had a slight smile on his face. - It's just that Adrian invited me yesterday and I accepted. But it's okay for you, isn't it? After all, we can go another day if you want.

- Adrian? - He asked still incredulous. - Adrian Pucey? You don't even know him. - Mattheo disdained and Theodore paid even more attention, looking forward to what was to come.

- Mattheo, I don't think you've been listening to me lately. - You smiled, but your irritation was visible to those who knew you. - I've been going out with him for a while, just yesterday we were at the party.

- Yes, but I thought it was just one more of those boys who keep chasing you... - He started, but you interrupted him.

- Don't play dumb, Matt. Even Theo knew... - You waved to Theodore, who confirmed with a gesture, making Mattheo even more angry. A brief silence followed, but you didn't let it last long. - Very well, see you later. - You got up from the table when you saw the other Slytherin waiting for you at the exit of the Great Hall.

Mattheo watched you walk away with a smile that he believed was exclusive to his presence. In the vision distorted by jealousy, it seemed that you only needed to jump when Pucey gave you a light kiss on the cheek, which made a knot form in his stomach. Meanwhile, Theodore just watched the way he clenched his jaw in frustration.

After that morning, Theodore had to endure Mattheo's bad mood for the rest of the week, a constant weight that hovered over him. Meanwhile, you, irritated by the way Mattheo seemed upset with you, avoided your presence for several days. Silence and distance have become your way of dealing with the growing tension between you.

During this period, Mattheo kept a calculated distance, but couldn't help but watch you when he wasn't looking. He spent hours huddled in a corner, his eyes fixed on you during classes, with a tumultuous mind. Every laugh you shared with Pucey was a blow of pain for him. He felt that something was deeply out of place, a cruel disorder in the balance of his world. But the worst was still to come that night.

It was another one of those typical parties in the common room, an event full of laughter and muffled music. Theodore watched Mattheo with a close eye, watching him fix his eyes on you as you approached the sofa where he and Nott were sitting. You were stunning that night, the light of the torches enhancing the brightness of your smile as you settled next to them.

Since Mattheo's feelings began to manifest, he had unconsciously stopped noticing other girls. This change happened so naturally that he didn't even notice. It was as if, suddenly, the world around you had become a colorless blur compared to the brightness you radiated. The empty space next to him at the party seemed to be the materialization of an unverbalized desire, a silent invitation that he did not know how to accept.

Mattheo was completely consumed by a love that dragged him into an abyss of anguish and unrequited desire. Every furtive look of yours towards you was a silent torture, a constant reminder of the intense and unattainable desire you felt. His thoughts revolved incessantly around you, and the simple fact of seeing you interact with another boy with a deep void forming in his chest, an acute pain that seemed to corrode his soul. At parties and meetings, Mattheo felt like a powerless spectator, trapped in a passion that left him distressed and desolate.

Mattheo, however, remembered the reality, seeing you smile gently at him and Theo while you talked quietly with your friend.

- What happened? Doesn't your dear Adrian accompany you in these places? - Riddle's tone was cruel, clearly demonstrating his pain. - I thought they were together here too, since they practically live together now...

You noticed the cold tone, the smile on your face falls and a confused expression takes over.

- What's wrong with you? Why are you so upset? - Your tone was not accusatory, you were really inclined to understand why he moved so far away.

On the other hand, Theo just carefully observed each interaction.

- I'm not upset. - Riddle practically murmured while quickly drinking the last sip of the drink in his glass, getting up soon after.

You and Theo looked at each other, looking for answers in each other, but both just found doubts.

When you went out to look for him, you couldn't find Mattheo anywhere at the party. I was about to give up when an idea came to your mind: the astronomy tower. Taking a deep breath, he climbed the winding stairs, feeling his heart tighten with each step. Upon reaching the top, the night breeze cut his skin, bringing with it the cold air characteristic of the altitude. The wind was strong, hissing in your ears while the stars shone in the dark sky, as far away as the boy you were looking for seemed to be.

Mattheo was there, leaning against the iron railing, with a lit cigarette between his fingers. He didn't seem to notice his arrival, fixing his gaze on the horizon. The smoke mixed with the cold air, creating a soft fog around it.

- The party doesn't seem like your kind of fun today - you commented, trying to break the silence lightly as you approached.

He released the smoke slowly, without looking at you.

- Maybe it's not. Maybe I don't have patience for the same old things anymore.

You crossed your arms, both because of the cold and because of the tension that was beginning to arise.

- What's going on?

He didn't answer immediately, taking another drag on the cigarette. You waited, but Mattheo's indifference began to annoy you.

- Mattheo, say something. - he insisted, his tone getting firmer.

He put out the cigarette against the cold iron, finally turning his face to face you. His eyes were gloomy, loaded with a weight that you couldn't decipher.

- What I don't understand is why you keep getting closer to Adrian... - The words came out with an unexpected acidity. You blinked, surprise.

- Adrian? What does it have to do with him? We're leaving, yes, but you don't have the right to question me about it. - He took a step forward, his expression hardening.

- I see you together all the time. I don't know how you don't realize how ridiculous this looks.

His heart began to beat harder, but now out of anger.

- Ridiculous? Mattheo, you went out with several girls while I was... while I was here, waiting for you to notice! - The words came out in an outburst that you didn't even know you were keeping. - And you never cared what I thought. How can you want to charge me something like that now?

He looked at you, his face tense for a moment before softening.

- It wasn't the same thing, and you know it. - You laughed, incredulous.

- Wasn't it the same thing? Of course it was. You're just not used to seeing things turning against you. - Mattheo looked down for a moment, as if he was fighting against his own emotions.

- I... I was trying not to get attached. I thought it was better that way, so as not to hurt you. But then Pucey came, and I realized it wasn't working. - He sighed, his voice getting lower. - I don't know how to deal with it. With... us.

His words hit you almost unreally. It was all you had wanted to hear for so long, but now, it seemed so distant, as if he was revealing something too late. The silence that fell between you was heavy, full of unsaid things.

- And what do you want me to do, Mattheo? That I end everything with Adrian just because you finally decided to realize it? - His voice had no more anger, just a sadness that even you didn't expect to feel.

He looked at you, the vulnerable expression, something that was rarely seen in him.

- I don't know. All I know is that... that I care about you. More than I should.

The anger you felt was softening, but that didn't mean that things were resolved. The words you dreamed so much of hearing were finally there, but the time, the context, everything seemed wrong.

- That doesn't make sense now, Mattheo - you murmured, taking a step back, feeling the icy wind chill your skin. - I waited so long for this, and now... I don't know what to think.

He took a step towards her, his eyes intense.

- I'm not asking you to decide now. I just want you to know.

The silence between you two was loaded, the night wind cold and insistent, but the cold you felt seemed to come from within, not only from the wind that cut the air. Mattheo was there, so close, and even with all the barriers he had put up, you felt that something had finally broken. He looked at you in a way he had never had before - there was no longer the distant mystery, but a raw intensity that revealed everything he had been hiding.

You felt a tightness in your chest, your mind spinning in a spiral of doubts and conflicting feelings. But before he could formulate any answer, Mattheo took another step towards him, closing the distance between you. His breathing was heavy, his breath mixed with the smell of cigarettes, and when his eyes met, the world seemed to stop for a moment.

- I tried to get away - he murmured, his voice hoarse, but with a sincerity that you had never heard before. - I swear I tried. But I can't, I can't see you with him, or with anyone else. I can't stand it.

Your heart shot, the weight of his words falling on you like a wave. Reason screamed to keep your distance, not to give in so easily, but every part of you longed for that. He was a mystery that held you, that pulled you into a deep abyss, but at the same time, he was the only one who made your heart beat like that.

- And what do you expect me to do, Mattheo? - your voice came out softer than you intended, the cold around you contrasting with the heat that grew in your chest.

He raised his hand, hesitating for a moment before gently touching his face, his thumb sliding down his cheek with a delicacy that seemed impossible coming from him. Your touch was hot, and the simple gesture made you close your eyes for a second, absorbing the moment.

- I want you to choose me - he whispered, his voice low and full of emotion. - Choose me, not him. Not anymore. Not after everything I... that we...

Before he finished the sentence, you interrupted him, feeling that the words were no longer enough. His lips met his in a sudden, impulsive movement, as if all the accumulated desire had exploded at once. Mattheo reacted immediately, pulling you closer, and the kiss that started soft quickly intensified, full of passion and all the tension you had repressed for so long.

The icy breeze around became insignificant, as if the heat between you was the only real element at that moment. His hands intertaced in your hair, and his arms wrapped you tightly, as if he wanted to make sure you didn't escape anymore. Every second seemed like an eternity, and at the same time, it wasn't enough.

When you finally moved away, his eyes were fixed on yours, his face still close enough for your breaths to mix.

- I've always wanted this - he admitted, his voice soft, almost vulnerable, while a smile appeared. - But I was too inattentive to realize how much I needed you. I won't make the same mistake again.

You stared at him, still trying to process what had just happened. With your heart racing, you smiled slightly, taking your hand to his face, tracing the line of your jaw.

He smiled, a rare smile, almost relieved, and nodded slowly, his eyes shining in a mixture of promise and desire.

____________________________

masterlist

xoxo, bee🫶🏼✨

ILOVE YOU MATHEO FANFICS!!! And your Theo ones omg they're so cute and make me smile every time I see them!! Could you do something like this? If you want to of course!

It's like in Brookline nine nine where Jake and Amy have that bet where whoever gets the most arrests by the end of the year get to make the other do whatever they want.

• what if Matty boy or Theo (ether is good Matty would be my pick tho! Or if you like the prompt you could do one for each <3 ) and the reader had a bet about who could get the best marks on a test or something like that.

• And he wins and they make you go on "the worst date ever"

• like Jake made Amy in BNN. But like Jake that's when he realize his feelings for the reader.

Supper fluffy and cute!! Rivals/friends to lovers !

Love ya!!

M.R. || Real love baby

Summary: When a boy pulls a girl's hair, it usually means something more than he actually admits. Warnings: none. A/N: This came out faster than usual because I simply LOVE Jake and Amy. I really hope it met your expectations, I'm delighted with how I was able to construct this text.🫶🏼

Open orders!

The friendship between you and Mattheo has always been a roller coaster of jokes, provocations and, occasionally, a latent feeling of competitiveness. His blood boiled when he mocked every time a teacher caught his attention, and you reciprocated in the same coin, turning each slip of his into a reason for laughter. These exchanges never went unnoticed, and the common room often echoed with the barbs exchanged between the two of you.

What began as childish games, however, now seemed to gain a different meaning. In the sixth year, the provocations were no longer seen as mere mischief. Their friends, who used to watch from afar, began to observe them with insightful eyes, full of insinuations, as if they saw something you had not yet realized. What was once just an exchange of innocent barbs, now seemed to have a background of palpable tension, almost as if there was something else behind the debauched smiles and defiant looks.

You had grown up. And, over time, new interests have emerged. However, the fun of seeing the other angry for any insignificant reason still aroused an almost childish satisfaction in both. The adrenaline of a small triumph, no matter how small it was, was addictive. And, to your surprise, that night in the communal room would seal a new phase of this dynamic between you.

I was sitting with Theodore, discussing his grades from the previous year. Both were always the best in the class, and there was no more fun in competing with each other. Someone who really challenged his abilities was missing, someone from another house, maybe. But before they could continue the conversation, a familiar voice interrupted their thoughts.

- What are you talking about? - Mattheo appeared, sitting on the sofa in front, his curious expression, almost as if he was sniffing the opportunity to get into the conversation.

You sighed, rolling your eyes. I knew he wouldn't miss the chance to participate.

- We were regretting the lack of a competitor to match - said Theodore, with a convinced air that only served to fuel Mattheo's interest.

- Competitor? - Mattheo frowned, looking genuinely confused, before opening a malicious smile. - Oh, this nonsense of those who get the best grades, isn't it? Well, your problems are over, because the opponent you're looking for is right here.

His laugh was automatic and loud. Mattheo's idea as an academic threat seemed, to say the least, absurd. Theodore also let out a discreet laugh, and Mattheo looked at them with a mixture of challenge and frustration.

- Oh, please, Matty, don't make me laugh. - you said between laughs, barely able to catch your breath.

- I'm serious - he replied, his voice getting softer as his eyes met yours. - Come on, are you so afraid of losing to me?

You narrowed your eyes, trying to keep your composure. The game was getting interesting.

- Afraid of you? - you replied, raising your chin with confidence. - You won't even come close to reaching me, Riddle.

A glow of determination appeared in his eyes, and you knew that from that moment on he was committed. But before he could answer, Pansy, who was watching from afar with a mischievous smile, intruded.

- Bet on a date at the end of classes - she suggested, her voice full of malice. - Whoever loses will have to do what the other wants for one night.

You blinked, surprised by the audacity of the suggestion, but before you could protest, Theodore was already agreeing, a sideways smile on his face.

- Great idea - he murmured, clearly having fun with the situation.

Mattheo didn't waste time. He stretched out his hand with a provocative smile.

- Closed. Get ready for the worst date of your life.

Without hesitation, you shook his hand, sealing the agreement. He knew he was getting into a potentially embarrassing situation, but he also trusted that, as much as Mattheo could be merciless in his provocations, he would never do anything to really hurt or humiliate her. It was a bet, yes, but one that came with a layer of mutual trust.

From that day on, your destiny was sealed. The "meeting" was already a reality, all that remained was to define who would dictate the rules. A part of you longed for the challenge, while another, more cautious, began to wonder if you hadn't underestimated Mattheo.

[...]

The weeks that followed showed that you had, in fact, underestimated Mattheo.

In the first days after the bet, you treated the challenge carefree, almost mocking the idea that he could do well. Mattheo was always the type of student who killed classes, glued to the exams and, in the end, counted on the good will of the teachers to pass the year. However, something has changed.

In recent months, teachers' conversations about Mattheo have started to surprise you. They no longer talked about their lack of discipline, but about their potential. They said he was finally showing how smart he was - something that, in fact, you already knew, but that he never made a point of demonstrating.

Mattheo, who used to seem uninterested, now really studied. Their furtive glances and provocations during classes seemed to hide a new, almost disturbing determination. Every time he raised his hand to answer a question or hit a complicated question, you felt the pressure increase. He was, against all expectations, taking it seriously.

And, little by little, you realized that maybe you were facing an opponent much more prepared than you imagined.

The months passed like a gale, each day bringing with it new provocations and challenges. The agreement, which initially seemed like an innocent joke, had turned into a real war of nerves. Both maintained a serious posture in class, but behind this facade, the tension was visible with each exchange of glances. No opportunity was wasted for a sharp comment, and the friends around had already gotten used to the constant clash between you.

The whole year was a fierce dispute, with comparative grades right after each class, always followed by sarcastic laughter and subtle provocations. In the first weeks, you laughed at Mattheo's attempt to keep up, making a point of spreading rumors among the girls who met him in the library. With a mischievous smile on your lips, you whispered:

- They say that Mattheo Riddle is looking for a girlfriend. He's been spending more time in the library than anywhere else, he must be trying to impress someone.

The giggles echoed through the common room, and in a short time, the rumor ran loose through the corridors of Hogwarts. The result? The library, which used to be a place of concentration and silence, became a battlefield. Girls appeared unexpectedly around Mattheo, curious to know if there was any truth in the rumors. He, visibly irritated, cast looks of disapproval in his direction, knowing very well where that chaos had come from.

On the other hand, he didn't leave it cheap. Knowing that his weak point was concentration, Mattheo took revenge in a calculated way. Whenever you isolated yourself in a corner of the library to study in peace, he appeared, casually, and started a loud conversation, talking about the most random and uninteresting subjects, but enough to divert your attention. Not satisfied, he began to launch provocative comments whenever he passed by you, as if he were talking to himself:

- Oh, how I love to see the despair of those who are afraid of losing a bet.

Or even:

- I heard that some people can't study under pressure... what a shame.

Not to mention the colleagues who suddenly came to ask silly questions or break their silence, clearly instigated by Mattheo. You knew he was behind each of these little sabotages. The environment that was once his refuge for study had become unbearable. Wherever you went, it seemed that Mattheo was always there, ready to disrupt his plans.

In the weeks of tests, the tension intensified. The psychological war continued, and now, everyone used their tricks with precision. The librarian had already lost patience with both of you, and more than once you were reprimanded for "disturbing the study environment". But nothing seemed to be able to interrupt the dispute. You were tied, each test being decided by tenths, sometimes with him in front, sometimes with you.

And then, the last test of the year arrived. It was from Feitiços, one of the most challenging subjects and also the one that both knew could seal the fate of the bet. The room was tense that morning, with the students silent, nervous, frantically reviewing their notes. Mattheo sat in the row in front of his, and before the teacher entered, he turned around, throwing a malicious smile in his direction.

- Ready to lose? Should I reserve the night for your punishment? - he whispered, his tone soft, but loaded with provocation.

You raised an eyebrow, returning the smile with a sparkle in your eyes.

- I hope you've already chosen your worst outfit, Riddle. I don't want it to seem like a complete disaster on our "date".

He laughed softly, shaking his head before turning around. The game was about to end, and they both knew it. Every word exchanged, every defiant look, everything had led to that moment.

When the teacher finally came in and distributed the scrolls, the silence in the room became absolute. The sound of feathers sliding on the paper was the only thing that was heard. Each second seemed to last an eternity while you wrote your answers with determination, maximum concentration. There was no room for mistakes.

From time to time, you noticed Mattheo moving in front of you, but refused to look away for more than a second. I knew that any distraction now could be expensive. When the test finally came to an end, you let out a sigh of relief. But the tension was still in the air. All that was left was to wait for the result.

In the weeks that followed, the provocations did not stop. Mattheo was confident, always making insinuating comments about what he would do if he won the bet. On the other hand, you kept your posture firm, not showing a shred of nervousness.

- Don't worry, Mattheo. I'm sure you'll love to fulfill your part of the agreement. - you said, without ever letting out the anxiety that grew as the day of the delivery of the notes approached.

When the notes were posted on the board, Mattheo's heart accelerated, but he kept his expression confident. You approached soon after, and when you saw the minimal difference between the notes, your heart sank. Mattheo had won. He had taken the best grade, but by such a small margin that it even seemed like a whim of fate. You, who until then had maintained a calm posture, could not avoid an expression of disbelief.

Next to him, Mattheo let out a loud, triumphant laugh. He looked up, as if he had won a great battle.

- I said! - he exclaimed, drawing the attention of everyone around. - I said I was going to win!

He was not satisfied with the silent victory. No, Mattheo wanted everyone to know that he had won the bet. You closed your eyes for a moment, trying to compose yourself while he turned on his heels, laughing as if he had just won Hogwarts' most desired trophy.

- Oh, I can't wait to see this! - Mattheo provoked, approaching you with a mischievous smile. - I hope you enjoyed losing, because now the night is all mine.

You just rolled your eyes, knowing that he wouldn't miss the chance to make the bet worth every penny. Mattheo wasn't content to just win; he needed to make it a show.

[...]

In the afternoon after Mattheo's victory, he and Theodore walked through the busy streets of the Diagonal Street, in search of the perfect piece for the "date" that Mattheo had planned. The sun was high, and the sound of the conversations of the wizards around filled the air. Mattheo, with a malicious smile on his face, was eager to turn the bet into an embarrassing and memorable situation for you. Theodore, next to him, watched him in silence, waiting for the right moment to pull the conversation that was clearly stuck in Mattheo's mind.

- I think this store will do. - said Mattheo, pointing to a window that displayed a collection of exaggeratedly colorful and extravagant clothes. It was the kind of store that didn't care about following trends, but about being the center of attention. Exactly what he was looking for.

When they entered, the environment was even more absurd than the showcase suggested. There were dresses with giant ruffles, shiny capes and hats that almost touched the ceiling. Mattheo took a quick turn, his eyes dancing between the most ridiculous pieces.

- She'll hate it. - he said, holding a pink dress with golden details and voluminous ruffles. - Perfect!

Theodore, with his arms crossed and an ironic smile, watched as Mattheo looked for more options. He knew his friend was having fun with that, but there was something else. There was always something more when it came to Mattheo and you.

- You know, you're trying too hard for this, don't you think? - Theodore commented, casually, while leaning against the store counter.

Mattheo let out a chuckle, without taking his eyes off his clothes.

- I'm trying hard to make sure she's embarrassed. That was the bet. She knew what she was getting into.

Theodore arched an eyebrow, still watching him carefully. He let Mattheo continue for a few more minutes, before deciding it was time to deepen the conversation.

- Right, right... - Theo said, in a carefree tone. - But... why are you so looking forward to it? I mean, it's just a bet. It seems that you are spending more time and money than you should.

Mattheo stopped for a moment, holding a ridiculous piece of clothing in his hands, but didn't answer immediately. His expression, for a brief moment, showed doubt. He looked at Theo, a little annoyed.

- I just want to make sure she learns not to underestimate a Riddle - he finally replied with a forced smile.

Theodore didn't buy the excuse. He took a few steps, approaching Mattheo, and lowered his voice, in a more serious tone.

- Or you really like her... - Theo shot, bluntly, while watching his friend's reaction.

Mattheo frowned immediately, dropping the dress in a macaw next to him.

- You're delirious, Nott. That has nothing to do with liking her. It's just... fun. A bet, remember?

But Theodore, undisturbed, just shrugged.

- Of course, of course. It's just a bet - he said, with sarcasm in his voice. - But let's think a little... You spent the whole year teasing her, Mattheo. Calling her attention in every possible way. He told girls to talk to her just to annoy her, he did everything to disrupt her studies, and now... he's personally choosing the most ridiculous outfit he can get for this date.

Mattheo turned around, crossing his arms and staring at Theo with a closed expression.

- And what's wrong with that? - he countered, defensively.

Theo took a few more steps, now closer to Mattheo.

- What's up with that? - he repeated, shaking his head with a smile. - You spent hours thinking about it, Mattheo. Hours. For someone who says it's just a bet, you're spending a lot of time on it. That's not just fun, Mattheo. Admitting that won't kill you.

Mattheo clenched his fists for a moment, clearly frustrated with the direction of the conversation. He wanted to deny it. He wanted to laugh at Theodore's face and say that it was absurd. But the words got stuck in the throat.

Theo, realizing his friend's discomfort, gave another accurate blow.

- How much time have you spent thinking about how to provoke her this year? And how many times have you done this because, deep down, you didn't want her to move away? - Theo let out a low laugh and shook his head. - All this, Mattheo, all these provocations... were just an excuse. An excuse to stay close to her, to ensure that she kept noticing you.

Mattheo snorted, trying to ignore the truth in Theodore's words. He took another piece of clothing, trying to divert the focus from the conversation.

- You don't know what you're talking about, Nott - he said, harshly, but his voice didn't have the same firmness as before.

Theo approached again, now with a softer smile.

- I know exactly what I'm talking about. And, deep down, you also know. - He took one last look at the ridiculous dress that Mattheo was holding and sighed, as if he was accepting something inevitable. - But it's okay. Keep pretending it's just a bet. I just hope you realize what's really going on before it's too late.

With that, Theodore walked away, leaving Mattheo alone with his thoughts and the clothes he had chosen. The silence that followed in the store seemed to weigh more than before. Mattheo stood there for a few seconds, staring at the dress in his hands, but his mind was elsewhere. Theo's words reverberated in his head, and for the first time, he wondered if the bet wasn't just an excuse to hide what he felt all the time.

[...]

The next morning, Mattheo seemed to have completely buried Theodore's words. His provocation was the same as always, but maybe with an extra touch of sarcasm. The most ridiculous costume he could find was carefully left at his door, wrapped in an almost solemn way. The box, with a dark green bow, seemed to mock you. Despite knowing exactly what was inside, you spent the day ignoring it, leaving the package untouched next to the door while trying to keep your head busy with anything other than the "date" that would happen later.

The provocations between you continued throughout the day, as if everything was normal. Mattheo seemed to have fun every time their eyes met, and you just rolled your eyes, determined to pretend that nothing would happen. But as the day progressed, reality began to weigh on you. There was no way to avoid it anymore.

When the sun finally set, you knew it was time to face the challenge. With a heavy sigh, he took the wrapping from the door, already feeling the weight of the humiliation that was to come. The contents of the box did not disappoint. The pink dress was a freak, with a huge golden bow that adorned her back, so exaggerated that it looked more like a gift wrapping than a piece of clothing. The voluminous skirt gave the impression that you were ready for an 80s debutante ball, and the boots... Oh, the boots were a monstrosity. Black and worn, with a low and clumsy heel that did not match at all with the rest of the set.

Resigned, you dressed up the best you could. Your hair, at least, was beautiful, and you decided that, if you were going to be ashamed, the least you could do was keep your dignity intact. She went downstairs to the communal room, where some of her friends were already waiting for her, evidently curious to see the disaster that Mattheo had planned.

- This is a nightmare - you grumbled, as you approached, without trying to disguise your frustration. - After that, I can forget about getting any boyfriend.

Pansy laughed softly, covering her mouth with her hand, while Blaise and Theo exchanged complicit glances. Mattheo, who was standing next to the fireplace, couldn't contain a laugh.

- Oh, go, don't be dramatic. - Mattheo said, with a glint of amusement in his eyes. - I guarantee that, after today, you will be the most talked about person in Hogwarts.

You crossed your arms, trying to maintain dignity, although you knew you were already lost.

- Spoken for the wrong reasons, maybe - you replied, your voice loaded with sarcasm.

Mattheo just laughed more, taking a step forward.

- Come on, come down soon. We don't have all night. - He made a theatrical gesture with his hand, indicating that you should come closer.

When you finally came up completely, the muffled laughter began. His friends, no matter how loyal they were, couldn't help it. Pansy and Daphne covered their mouths to try to hide how much fun they were having, while Theo and Blaise watched with the looks of those who knew that it was an unmissable show. But the most surprising was Mattheo's reaction. He stopped for a moment, his lips curving in a smile, but his eyes... Well, his eyes seemed surprised.

Even with all that ridiculous outfit, you could still look beautiful, which clearly disarmed you for a brief second. The dress, as absurd as it was, highlighted the curve of her waist and the delicate features of her face. And, for a thousandth of a second, Mattheo forgot the real goal of the bet.

But he soon recovered, shaking his head and returning to the carefree and provocative attitude.

- Well, well... - he said, crossing his arms and tilting his head to observe you better. - I think a detail is missing.

Before you could ask what he meant, Mattheo took something from behind him and extended it towards him. A track, similar to those of Miss Universe, but with an inscription that made her stomach turn: "Mattheo Riddle is amazing".

You looked at him, incredulous.

- You can only be joking - you murmured, but Mattheo kept smiling, swinging the banner in the air as if it were a prize.

- Come on, you can't miss it. This is part of the agreement. - He insisted, his eyes shining with malice.

- That wasn't in the agreement - you replied, with narrow eyes, but you knew it would be useless to argue.

Mattheo just laughed and extended the band.

- Oh, but it was you who said I could choose whatever I wanted. And now I want everyone to know how amazing I am. - He winked, clearly having fun at the expense of his indignation.

With a sigh, you took the band and reluctantly put it on the dress. It was the height of ridicule, but when he looked at Mattheo, he realized that, as much as he was having fun, there was something more in his eyes. Something beyond provocation.

- Now, make a turn for everyone to see - he ordered, with a mischievous smile.

You rolled your eyes, but turned on your heels, feeling the huge bow hit your back, while the muffled laughter around echoed through the room. Mattheo applauded in an exaggerated way, as if you were at a fashion show.

- Perfect! - he said, laughing, and approached, putting an arm around his shoulders. - And now, let's enjoy this unforgettable night.

And so, you left for Três Vassouras, where Mattheo had scheduled everything. The songs, the dances, even the places where they would sit. His friends, of course, went together, ready to watch every second of this show, but, as much as Mattheo's plan was going to embarrass you, the truth was that while you walked next to him, something seemed different. Maybe it was the way he looked at you, or the fact that, as ridiculous as the situation was, you were about to have more fun than you ever imagined.

When you arrived at Três Vassouras, the environment was full of life, with laughter and conversations filling the air. But as soon as they passed through the door, the bar seemed to stop for a moment. All eyes turned to you, as if you had just witnessed a scene worthy of a comedy play. Your exaggerated pink dress, with your voluminous skirt and the golden bow on the back, made you look like a clumsy doll. And next to it, Mattheo, dressed in a gigantic tuxedo, with his sleeves and pants folded up in an almost comical way, didn't help improve the situation.

The laughter echoed around, and you felt your face burn with shame. People whispered, pointed and laughed shamelessly. You tried to hide the discomfort, but you felt everyone's gaze as if you were on a stage, exposed in a way you never imagined. Mattheo, on the other hand, seemed impassive, with a malicious smile on his lips as he walked next to him to the table at the back of the bar, completely ignoring the reactions around him.

You cast an angry look at his disproportionate tuxedo, muttering something low.

- That was... a creative choice, at least - you commented, still trying to adapt to the situation.

He shrugged, fixing the exaggerated collar.

- It's all part of the show, princess.

As much as you were angry, you ended up laughing at the situation, especially when the buttery beers arrived. The sweet and creamy drink, as always, brought a little warmth and relief to the discomfort, and before you knew it, your friends were already around, laughing and pulling you to dance.

At first, he hesitated. She was too ridiculous to move, but the lightness of the jokes and the excitement of the night began to weigh more than the embarrassment. Soon, you were in the middle of the track, spinning and laughing with Pansy, Draco and the others. Each sip of buttery beer made the dress look less absurd, and the music helped to forget the looks around. Suddenly, it didn't matter anymore that I was dressed like a party cake. Only the fun and the shared laughter mattered.

While you danced, forgotten about the initial shame, Mattheo, from afar, watched with a different expression. He was leaning against the counter, a beer in his hand, but he barely touched it. Instead, his eyes were fixed on you, the way he moved carefree, laughing and spinning to the sound of the music. He didn't realize the exact moment when he stopped thinking all that was a joke.

Theodore's words, said the day before, echoed in his mind. At that moment, inside the store, he had vehemently denied any feeling. But now, seeing you so at ease, with a genuine smile on your face, the provocations and games seemed distant. All he could do was watch you, as if it was the first time he really noticed how much you enchanted him.

The time they spent provoking each other, the jokes, the competitions... all this was dissolving in Mattheo's mind as he looked at you that night. Theodore was right, he noticed. Maybe all that would have been an excuse, a way to disguise what he had been feeling all the time.

And now, with you dancing and laughing so freely, he couldn't pretend anymore. The smile he showed to others was always a mask, but at that moment, looking at you, he felt something real. A slight tightness in his chest that he couldn't ignore.

Without realizing it, Mattheo let out a deep sigh. It was no longer a matter of provoking or winning bets. There was something else there, something he hadn't been able to admit even to himself.

And, for the first time, he stopped fighting against that.

Damn, he really fell in love with you.

____________________________

masterlist xoxo, bee🫶🏼✨

—august

pairing: mattheo riddle x fem!reader

summary: mattheo chose you and still you wonder why he even broke up with his ex in the first place

warnings: feeling like the wrong choice, insecure reader, angst but fluff ending

notes: i just wrote a little drabble since i already had a planned fic ready for lacy, i hope you still like it!

her hair was flowing effortlessly over her shoulders, caressing her back like it was some sort of clothing. she looked effortlessly pretty in general, soft pink lips and warm brown eyes reflecting the light of the sun when she would walk through the courtyard.

and the worst thing about her? she was nice. simply put. you couldn’t even manage to hate her, because next to being beautiful, she had a charming personality, a great sense of humor and friends everywhere she went.

you had understood if she had hated you. you, the new girlfriend of her first great love. but she didn’t and that made it impossibly worse.

“hey, y/n” she had greeted one morning, a smile plastered on her face and happiness reflecting in her eyes. “theo mentioned that you had some problems regarding the divination essay” she said and added, before you were able to retort something: “i finished mine a few days ago and thought it might help you to read over it. it was indeed a very hard task, i struggled too”

“oh” you had said, dumbfounded, and stared at the pieces of parchment she was holding in your direction. “thank you, aurora”

“no problem” she grinned. “and rory is fine, all my friends call me that”

she had left in a hurry, having to return books to the library, and you spent your time looking after her in awe, surprise and insecurity flooding your features.

it was beyond you why mattheo had decided to break up with her. aurora turner was simply perfect and you certainly weren’t.

"what's going on in there, huh?" mattheo slipped into the space beside you, touching your head with one of his fingers softly.

"oh, nothing" you quickly excused, taking your eyes off of aurora and looking to the book in front of you. "this reading for muggle studies is just taking up my brain"

"romeo and juliet?" mattheo questioned, studying the leatherbound book.

"yeah" you sighed. "the english is kinda off"

"i know" he shrugged, turning the book around in his hands and opening it to a random page.

"you know?" you repeated, trying not to laugh. "i never as much saw you look at a book before"

"i liked this one" he smiled.

your smirk died down. "oh, i didn't know that" you tried to find his eyes. "why did you never mention it? i would've read it sooner then"

"it's not a big deal, that was ages ago" he paused, unsure if it was okay to finish the sentence, but you urged him on, nodding repeatedly so he would continue. "rory liked it"

"oh" you said plainly, before you realized that your reaction was all the more telling of your inner jealousy and insecurity about his old relationship. "i mean cool"

"y/n" mattheo muttered, laying the book down in front of you. "it really doesn't matter. we don't even have to mention it again"

"i don't want you to feel like you can't tell me something, just because you experienced it with your ex" you smiled, but it was costing you all your strength. "you can talk about the past, it doesn't bother me"

"that's clearly a lie" mattheo saw through you completely. "you shouldn't have to hide your feelings to make me feel better"

you sighed, realising that it was to no use to lie to him. "sorry, i just—" you shook your head "i don't even know why you decided to break up with her in the first place and i think i'm scared that you'll realize that at one point too"

mattheo looked at you with a soft smile, his gaze searching your eyes as if trying to convey everything he felt with just that look. "y/n, i'm gonna be honest. it’s not that rory wasn’t great," he began, his tone gentle. "she is a really good person, and there was nothing wrong with her. but that doesn’t mean she was the right person for me."

you blinked, trying to process his words as he continued.

"i realized that being with someone just because they seem perfect on the surface doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. we just didn’t connect in the way i needed. with you..." he hesitated, as if searching for the right words, "...it’s different. you make me feel understood. you get me in a way that no one else does."

you looked at him with so much admiration that he had to look down, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

"look" he said, when he was able to look in your eyes again. "dating rory was like constantly standing on a pedestal and people expecting me to be something different than i was. that didn't feel right, and it shouldn't. but being with you feels like coming home after a long day, realizing that there's someone in my corner even if no one else likes me for who i am and not for who they see in me"

"i didn't know you felt like that" you muttered, ashamed that you had possibly made him uncomfortable.

"i don't, not anymore" he smiled. "not since i met you. because i don't care about the others. i just care about us, you and me"

"i love you" you said as he kissed your cheek, pulling you closer by your waist.

"i love you" mattheo mumbled against your mouth. "don't ever think you're worth less than her, just because you're not her. if anything that's what makes you more special to me"

you nodded, teary-eyed, as he pushed his lips forward to meet yours. your hands toyed with the hem of his curls as he deepend the kiss.

after that day you never questioned mattheo's choice again. and you could see that both him and rory held a lot of respect for each other. but both were not even interested in anything deeper. mattheo never looked up when he heard her voice anywhere. rory never came to the tree you had often seen them kissing at, back when they had been together.

you realized that being enough for mattheo had never meant being perfect—it had only ever meant being yourself.

Memories of the Black lake:

Includes: (Implied) Fem!Reader x Mattheo Riddle, Angst, some fluff, mentions of drugs and sleeping around. Let me know if I missed anything!

Summary: Reader goes to the black lake to clear her head and ends up reminiscing about good times before she meets up with the golden trio. 

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ⋆★⋆ ═

The fresh air, cold and soft, blew against my face. It’s funny because the last time I was at the black lake things were different. Being at the black lake now tends to bring back a feeling of nostalgia but also pain.

The last time I was here, it was almost dark. The sun was setting and instead of being on my lonesome, I was with my group. My friends. We had all snuck out of the castle to have a late night bonfire and swim.

We were all happy and laughing, forget about all problems, oblivious to how things would change in the matter of weeks.

“Hey Theo! Bet you can’t make a bigger splash than me!”

“Your on mate!”

Theodore and Mattheo were jumping from a tree into the lake, trying to make the biggest splash while Draco, Blaise and Lorenzo judged who won.

Pansy, Astoria, Daphne and I were on the pattern blanket, next to the fire as they watched the boys jump into the water.

“Boo, come on Matt, even Professor Snape could do better than that!”

He got mad at me for that and chucked me in the lake. It was good fun.

Tom instead sat quietly with us reading and watching, and for once in a long while I saw a small smile on his lips.

Everything was perfect.

Was.

A week after that the boys started to avoid us girls.

Draco became distant. From everyone. He and Astoria got into a fight not long after his cold behaviour started and he broke up with her. He only ever interacted with the boys on occasions and never with us girls.

Theodore fell back into his smoking habits and started being really toxic and moody towards everyone. He got into fights alongside Mattheo although those two rarely interacted.

Lorenzo skipped class and stopped showing up for meals. His grades went to shit, he went to lots of parties and slept around. He only hung out with Blaise and was always on high alert from some of the drugs he took.

Blaise never participated in class and was always quiet. He became more nonchalant than before. He and Lorenzo hung out and did drugs together often. He and Pansy stoped talking when he drove her away by sleeping around.

Mattheo started drinking a lot. He became abusive. He was constantly angry and tired. He got no sleep and it became rare to see him around the castle unless he was smoking or getting into fights. The last time we spoke he was yelling and smashing things.

And Tom. He was like a ghost. No one ever saw him.

The boys quit Quidditch and any other activities they did. Us girls tried to help them but they did everything in their power to keep us away and if we got too close they would be hurtful and nasty towards us.

Then it was us girls.

After the break up, Astoria was heartbroken. She became a wreck. She didn’t care about anything anymore. She became so depressed she begged her mother to move her with her cousins at beauxbatons.

Daphne felt sick in the stomach. She went to comfort Draco about how heartbroken her sister had become. She couldn’t believe how cold and nonchalant he was about it. She chose to move with her sister to beauxbatons.

Pansy started to get involved in dark magic. She became really shady and started hanging out with some of the boys again. Every time I tried to talk to her she would ignore me. We had a massive argument and had a fallout.

And then there is me. I started hanging out with Potter, Weasley and Granger. They are really friendly. Mattheo found out and started to yell, smashing things, saying that it was either him or them. I never chose, so, he chose for me. That was the last time we spoke.

It’s been 4 weeks.

Daphne, Astoria and I are still in contact.

There is a war coming.

The fresh air, cold and soft, blew against my face. It’s funny because the last time I was at the black lake things were different.

It’s now early in the morning. Last night Hogwarts was invaded by death eaters. Dumbledore died and I’m supposed to meet Harry, Ron and Hermione on the astronomy tower in a few.

I hope my friends will come back to me.

I hope my boy will come back to me.

I wish that they stay safe in the war.