Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

Tired of fighting

"Mattheo—"

"No," he cut me off, tossing the torn parchment onto the floor. "Fuck him. You're barely standing, and he's worried about his image?"

Theo leaned against the window, blowing out a slow breath. "So, what's the plan, then?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "I don't have a choice. If I don't train, it'll just be worse."*

Mattheo stared at me, eyes dark. "So you're just gonna let him control you?"

"I'm being realistic."*

"No, you're being a fucking puppet," he snapped. "And I'm not just gonna sit here and watch you destroy yourself because he said so."*

I swallowed hard. "And what am I supposed to do, Mattheo? Tell him no? That'll go well."*

Theo shifted. "She's not wrong, mate. It's not like Malfoys handle disobedience well."*

Mattheo exhaled harshly, running a hand through his curls. "It's bullshit."*

"Yeah," I said softly. "It is."*

For a moment, none of us spoke. The only sound was the faint crackle of the cigarette in Theo's hand.

Finally, Theo smirked, trying to break the tension. "Alright, so—depressing letters from emotionally stunted parents aside—what's the move?"

I took a deep breath, shoving the exhaustion down. "I need to talk to Dumbledore."*

Mattheo rolled his eyes. "Of course you do."*

"You two coming or not?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Theo flicked ash from his cigarette. "Wouldn't miss it."*

Mattheo sighed dramatically before standing up, smirking slightly. "Guess someone has to keep you from getting hexed to death."*

I gave him a dry look. "Such a gentleman."*

"Always, princess."*

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Can we go to breakfast first? I need coffee, and we can see the others."*

Mattheo smirked. "Priorities."*

"Damn right," I muttered, already making my way toward the door—though I was still a little unsteady. Mattheo instinctively reached out, but I shot him a look. "I've got it."*

Theo chuckled. "Sure you do."*

We made our way down to the Great Hall, the scent of coffee and food hitting me the second we stepped inside. The usual morning chaos was in full swing—students chatting, owls swooping in with letters, the clatter of silverware echoing through the hall.

At the Slytherin table, Draco, Blaise, Pansy, Enzo, and Astoria were already sitting together. Draco spotted us first, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my face—probably checking to see if I looked worse than yesterday.

"You're finally up," he said as we sat down. "How are you feeling?"

I poured myself a cup of coffee before answering. "Like I got hit by a Hippogriff."*

Pansy gave me a pointed look. "Well, you look better than yesterday, at least."*

"Thanks," I said dryly, taking a sip of coffee.

Enzo leaned back, arms crossed. "So, what's the plan today?"

Theo smirked. "Apparently, we're off to have a little chat with Dumbledore."*

Draco tensed. "Why?"

I set my coffee down. "Father sent a letter. He knows Dumbledore gave me a break from training, and he's decided I don't get one."*