The Riddle of Us *Mattheo x Reader*

Chapter 3 Picture Perfect Holidays, but with the Malfoys

Y/N could feel her pulse racing as she stared up at him, her breath caught in her throat. The intensity of his gaze was overwhelming, and she couldn't figure out whether she should be backing away or leaning in. His presence filled the small space, and she felt her resolve weakening.

"You're impossible," she said, trying to sound composed, but her voice wavered. "You really think you can just... do this? Mess with me?"

He smirked, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "I'm not messing with you, Y/N. I'm just... getting to know you better."

Y/N's stomach fluttered, her mind still racing. Was he serious? Was this just a game to him? She didn't know whether she should push him away or give in to whatever strange pull was building between them.

Before she could say anything else, there was a soft noise in the corridor—a faint click of footsteps coming closer.

"Shit," Y/N muttered, her heart jumping into her throat. McGonagall.

Mattheo's smirk widened as he stepped back, his gaze still fixed on her. "Guess we'll have to pick this up later, won't we?"

Y/N didn't even have time to respond before he pushed open the door slightly, peeking out into the hallway. He gestured for her to follow, his grin never faltering. "After you, princess."

Y/N stumbled out of the closet, her head spinning. She couldn't shake the way he'd looked at her—like he knew exactly what he was doing. She didn't know whether to be angry at him for making her feel this way or intrigued by the connection that had been building between them.

—

Christmas at Hogwarts was always breathtaking. The Great Hall shimmered with festive magic—enchanted snowflakes drifted lazily from the ceiling, reflecting the warm glow of floating candles. Evergreen garlands wrapped around the stone pillars, and enormous Christmas trees stood proudly at the front, decorated with golden baubles, silver tinsel, and tiny enchanted fairies flitting between the branches. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, pine, and the lingering sweetness of the last festive feast.

Despite the undeniable magic of it all, Y/N wouldn't be staying to enjoy it this year. Mother and Father had made it clear—she was expected home for the holidays, and what they expected, they got. There was no room for negotiation. With a sigh, she snapped her trunk shut, giving it a final nudge to make sure it was latched properly.

As she finished gathering her things, her thoughts drifted to Draco. She hadn't seen him since breakfast, but she knew he was in the middle of packing as well. He would be just as eager to leave as she was, though probably for different reasons. She wondered if he was relieved to be going home or if, like her, there was a small part of him that wished he could stay at Hogwarts for just a little longer.

Before she could dwell on it too much, the door to the dormitory swung open, and Trisha, the Head Girl, stepped inside. Her sharp eyes scanned the room before she spoke, her voice brisk and authoritative.

"Anyone leaving for home," she announced, "needs to be in the common room within the next five minutes, or you won't be going home for Christmas this year."

Y/N didn't hesitate. She grabbed her wand, gave her trunk a quick flick to shrink it down to a more manageable size, and stuffed it into the pocket of her cloak. Without another moment to waste, she spun on her heel and hurried down the steps from the girls' dormitory, her heart racing—not just from the rush, but from the anticipation of finally returning home.

As she stepped into the common room, she couldn't help but wonder what Pansy and Mattheo were doing for the holidays. Pansy had been debating whether to stay at Hogwarts or go home for weeks. On one hand, she adored the festive decorations and the quiet that settled over the castle once most students left. On the other, she hated missing out on glamorous holiday parties and time spent with her parents, who spoiled her endlessly. Had she finally made up her mind?