as the world caves in; mattheo riddle

"You better watch what you say, witch."

~~~

September 1st, 1996

"Merlin, I can't believe we're 6th years already," Pansy says as we step off the platform to the Hogwarts Express, returning for yet another year. 

"It's so strange to think that we only have 2 years left. It feels like just yesterday we were first years, getting sorted, exploring the castle, all of that." I reply. 

A smile lingers on my lips, my gaze drifting to the outline of the castle in the distance, the moon and stars creating a beautiful glow against the old building.

"Well, we're gonna make this year great," Theo interjects, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. 

I let out a small laugh, my head leaning against his touch as we make our way towards the carriages. It was always such a surreal experience– watching as the carriages seemed to pull themselves as you ride up to the castle. But to those of us who have seen death, the truth was different. We could see the thestrals, their skeleton-like forms both beautiful and haunting.

The ride towards the castle was rather quiet, small comments being made here and there as we simply enjoy each others company. There was a bittersweet feeling in the atmosphere, excitement towards another school year, yet a tinge of sadness knowing this was one of the last times we would be making the venture up to the castle. 

As we enter the castle, the sounds of bustling students arises, eager to enjoy the feast that was to come. My eyes flicker to the ceiling of the Great Hall, the ceiling shone with floating candles, a gorgeous scene of the night sky playing just above. Theo, Pansy, Blaise, and I take our usual spot the Slytherin table, the smell of fresh baked breads and poultry filling our senses. 

"Has anyone seen Draco?" Pansy asks, glancing around the busy hall. 

"Not yet, but I'm sure he'll turn up." I reply. 

As if on cue, the infamous blonde boy walked through the doors of the Great Hall, his hands toying with his tie in a nervous manner. He looked stressed, as if something was weighing him down. 

"Speak of the bloody devil himself." Blaise remarks, a small smirk playing on his lips. 

"Where have you been, mate?" Theo questions as Draco approaches the table. 

"Just family stuff, what did I miss?" he replies. 

His voice was rather monotone, lacking his usual sharpness. He takes his seat next to Blaise as Pansy gives him a shrug. 

"Nothing important." she says, glancing at him with a hint of worry in her eyes. 

"Good evening, students," Dumbledore's voice boomed across the hall, catching everyone's attention. "I would like to welcome each and every one of you to a new year at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore continued with the ceremony, getting all the first-years sorted before giving his typical beginning of term speech. I rest my chin on my palm, leaning over the table as I attempt to ease my growing hunger. I tune out the headmaster's voice, having already heard the warnings and such he was about to give. Though, something he said finally caught my attention. 

"I would like to give a warm welcome to our newest Hogwarts transfer student, Mattheo Riddle." Dumbledore announces. 

My body stiffens. My head snaps back up, the news grasping my attention as I feel my heart drop into my stomach. A hush falls over the Great Hall. 

Riddle? As in Tom Riddle? The Dark Lord?

The questions swirled in my mind. There's no way Dumbledore would allow the son of a murder into school, right?