Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

The sun was high, casting a warm glow over the Hogwarts grounds as we all sat outside for lunch. The fresh air felt good after being stuck inside all morning, and the energy was light—everyone joking around, eating, and occasionally throwing bits of food at each other.

I leaned back on my elbows, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" I asked, exhaling a stream of smoke.

"Skipping class," Blaise said immediately, making Theo smirk in agreement.

"We have Potions," Draco pointed out, shooting them a look. "Slughorn actually likes us. I'd rather not ruin that."

Pansy rolled her eyes. "You just don't want to get on his bad side because of that club of his."

Draco scoffed. "Unlike you lot, I actually think about my future."

Mattheo, sitting beside me, nudged my leg with his. "What about you? Skipping or being a good little student?"

I smirked, taking another drag. "I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll see how I feel after lunch."

Enzo leaned forward, eyeing my bag. "Alright, I've been patient. What did you get from the twins?"

I just grinned and pulled out the flask, giving it a little shake. "Something to make this afternoon a lot more interesting."

I set the flask down on the grass beside me. "Later," I said with a smirk, ignoring the groans of protest from Enzo and Theo.

A few minutes later, as everyone continued chatting, I reached into my bag to grab my medication. My fingers fumbled through the pockets, searching, but came up empty. My heart sank. I checked again, pulling everything out, but nothing.

Shit.

My stomach twisted, and a wave of nerves crept over me. I had no more left. How had I not noticed sooner? I always kept track of this. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my breathing steady, not wanting anyone to notice the panic bubbling under my skin.

I clenched my jaw, forcing a neutral expression, but my mind was already racing. I needed to figure out how to get more—fast.

I shoved everything back into my bag, my hands trembling slightly. I didn't know how long I could go without them. A day? Two? Would the withdrawal hit fast? Would it be bad?

I bit my lip, staring down at the grass, my heart hammering. This wasn't good. I could already feel the edges of my anxiety creeping in, the thoughts spiraling.

I needed to figure this out before it became obvious—before someone noticed. The last thing I wanted was my friends worrying or asking questions. I took a deep breath, trying to push the panic down.

I just had to get through the day. I could handle this. I had to.

I forced myself to focus on the conversation happening around me, nodding along as if I was actually paying attention. My hands stayed clenched in my lap, nails pressing into my palms to ground myself.

"You alright?" Theo's voice broke through my thoughts, his brows furrowed slightly as he looked at me.

"Yeah, just tired," I lied smoothly, offering a small smirk to sell it.

He didn't look convinced, but before he could press further, Mattheo threw a grape at Blaise, starting some ridiculous food fight. The distraction was a blessing.

I laughed along with them, forcing myself to act normal. But in the back of my mind, the worry lingered.

I needed to find a way to get my medication—and fast.