A shift in fate | Mattheo Riddle

Song: Guilty as Sin?- Taylor Swift

Everyone watched as Mattheo stormed out of the common room, the entire atmosphere in the room suddenly heavy with unspoken questions. The usual laughter and chatter that filled the space had disappeared in an instant. But luckily, it was just the Slytherins in attendance this time—thankfully not every house, like at the party. If Gryffindor or Ravenclaw had seen that tantrum, it would have been all over the castle by morning.

I exchanged a glance with Draco, and we both sighed, knowing that whatever was going on with Mattheo, it wasn't going to end quietly. The tension between the two of us had been brewing for a while, but this time, I couldn't deny that Mattheo actually had a reason to be jealous. The way things had gone down with Draco tonight... well, it was enough to make anyone act like that.

But as much as I understood his frustration, I couldn't deny that I'd enjoyed myself tonight. Draco was an incredible kisser, and despite everything going on, I had been lost in the moment with him. But the truth was, I was starting to wonder whether that kiss—no matter how good it was—was going to cause a rift in our friendship.

It wasn't just about Mattheo anymore. What if the whole group started looking at me differently? What if things between Draco and I got complicated? I couldn't help but think of how Mattheo might react, but worse... how the others might.

But there was no going back now. I had to deal with the aftermath. And I wasn't sure I was ready for it.

Draco caught my eye again, his face unreadable, but I could tell that the night had shifted for both of us.

"You good?" he asked quietly, voice laced with a hint of concern.

I nodded, though part of me wasn't entirely sure I was. "Yeah," I said, more to reassure myself than him. "You?"

"Yeah. Just... I don't know, V," he muttered, his voice drifting off. I could tell he was thinking about more than just the party. "Mattheo's a fucking mess sometimes."

"Tell me about it," I agreed, the hint of a smile tugging at my lips. But deep down, I was already wondering what the fallout from tonight would look like.

Draco let out a soft sigh, running a hand through his hair. "V, I really enjoyed tonight," he said, his voice quieter now, almost contemplative. "But I don't want things to get fucked up between us, you know?"

His gaze met mine, and for a second, I could see that familiar, guarded look in his eyes—the one that always hinted at something more underneath, but he was keeping it under control.

"We've kissed before, remember?" I said, frowning. "I know this is different... this was, well—intense."

"Exactly," he replied, his voice low and steady, his eyes locking with mine. "I really fucking liked kissing you." There was a pause, his gaze turning more calculating. "But I also know why it happened tonight. I'm not stupid."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, furrowing my brow, already knowing where he was going with this.

Draco raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Oh, come on, V. We both know why you kissed me just now." He leaned in slightly, his tone teasing but knowing. "You wanted to make Riddle jealous. Mission accomplished."

I felt my stomach tighten, his words cutting straight to the truth. I couldn't even pretend otherwise. "Okay, maybe you're right," I said with a shrug, trying to play it off. "But don't get me wrong, I really liked being with you tonight."

I nudged him playfully, a small grin tugging at the corners of my lips. "Guess you're not so bad after all, Malfoy."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter, but there was something else in his eyes—something  more confident. He bent down, close enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath against my ear. "Well, if you ever want to get back at him again, I'd be more than happy to help." His words were laced with a mischievous confidence, and I felt a shiver run through me. "I wouldn't mind snogging you again sometime."