Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

I made my way down to the stables, my heart still pounding from the argument with Mattheo. My emotions were all over the place, and I needed an escape—something to clear my mind. Riding always helped.

As I reached the stables, my horse perked up at the sound of my footsteps. A small smile tugged at my lips despite everything. He always seemed to know when I needed him most.

"Hey, boy," I murmured, running a hand over his soft coat. "Let's get out of here for a bit, yeah?"

I quickly tacked him up and led him out to the open field. The second I swung into the saddle, I felt lighter. With a gentle squeeze of my legs, we were off, galloping across the field. The wind rushed past me, the cool air biting at my skin, but I didn't care. The weight on my chest lessened with every stride, the frustration slowly fading away.

For a while, I just rode—letting the rhythmic movement of my horse soothe me, the steady beat of his hooves grounding me. I practiced a bit of liberty work with him, just like always, feeling the bond between us strengthen as we moved together.

Eventually, I slowed him to a stop and slid off, leading him to a nearby tree. I sat down, leaning back against the trunk, closing my eyes for a moment. The quiet was comforting. No drama, no expectations—just me, my horse, and the open sky.

I exhaled deeply. Maybe I should just stay out here forever.

I sighed, running a hand through my wind-tousled hair as I led my horse back to the stables. The ride had helped, but reality was already creeping back in. I knew I couldn't hide out forever.

As I made my way back to the castle, my stomach dropped when I spotted Professor Snape standing near the entrance, his arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression in place.

"Miss Malfoy," he said in that slow, deliberate tone. "Your presence is required in the Headmaster's office. Your parents have arrived."

I froze. My parents? Here? Shit.

Snape didn't wait for a response. He simply turned, expecting me to follow. My heart pounded as I walked behind him, my mind racing with possibilities. They had to know about something—but what? The party? My fight with Mattheo? The smoking, the drinking? Or maybe... maybe it was everything.

By the time we reached Dumbledore's office, my hands were clammy. Snape gave me one last look before stepping aside, leaving me to push open the heavy wooden door myself.

Inside, my parents sat in front of Dumbledore's desk. My mother's expression was tight with worry, but my father's was unreadable—though the sharpness in his eyes sent a clear message.

"Ah, Miss Malfoy," Dumbledore greeted, his voice as calm as ever. "Please, have a seat."

I swallowed hard and stepped forward, bracing myself for whatever was coming.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. My hands curled into fists in my lap as I looked between them all.

"I understand," I said, my voice firm but laced with frustration. "I know I can do things no one else can. I can do magic without a wand, I can feel spells before they hit, I can control things I shouldn't be able to—" I exhaled sharply. "But this... this isn't what I want."

My father's expression hardened. "It's not about what you want. It's about what must be done."

I shook my head, biting the inside of my cheek. "So that's it? I don't get a choice? I just have to become some weapon for this war?"

"You were never meant to be just anything," my mother said gently, but I could hear the weight behind her words. "You are extraordinary. And extraordinary people don't get to live ordinary lives."