Shadows of Slytherin Book 1

Draco

As I stepped into the dimly lit Slytherin common room, my heart was pounding with nervousness. I scanned the room and my eyes fell upon Mattheo, who was absorbed in his book, sitting comfortably on one of the couches. I knew that I had to talk to him at some point to make amends. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to him and stood next to the couch.

"Hey, can we talk?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mattheo looked up from his book, his expression guarded. "Yeah...Sure. May as well get this over with," he replied, setting his book aside and gesturing towards the chair near the couch.

I sat down, feeling my foot begin to bounce nervously. "Mattheo, I want to apologize..." I trailed off, my voice faltering as I struggled to find the right words.

"For stealing my girl? The one that I told you everything about and said how she is the love of my life? Yeah. I don't forgive you," Mattheo interrupted sharply, his eyes flashing with anger.

I knew that I deserved his anger and disappointment, but I also knew that I had to make things right. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to understand my feelings for Dani," I said, my voice pleading.

Mattheo let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Alright... I'll let you explain yourself," he relented.

"Mattheo, you know I was the first person to meet Dani. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I felt a connection. As we got to know each other, those feelings only grew stronger. But when I introduced her to you, I never anticipated that you two would end up together..."

I continue, "Despite my own feelings, I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between the two of you. It was like a spark had been ignited, and as I watched you both interact, I knew that there was something special there....

We practically grew up side by side, I mean my parents took you in after your mother passed away when you were four years old. I've seen you at your lowest points, and I've never once seen you truly happy or carefree. But that all changed when you met Dani..."

I look up at Mattheo who is watching me, a hint of sadness in his eyes, "She brought out a whole new side of you that none of us had ever seen before. You finally had someone who understood you on a deeper level... Seeing you both together made me realize that you were meant to be. And although it was hard to let go of my own feelings for Dani, I knew deep down that you were the one who truly deserved her love and affection.... and she deserved the love from you."

With a hint of resignation in my voice, I admit to Mattheo, "I've made every effort to move on from Dani. I've tried to distract myself, to fill my days with other activities and people, but it's as if she's etched herself so deeply into my mind that I can't shake her off."

Mattheo nods in understanding. "I don't blame you..." he says. "There's something about Dani that's unforgettable. She has this rare quality that draws you in and keeps you captivated, even long after she's gone. It's like she engraves herself onto your heart, and no matter how hard you try, you can't help but think of her."

Mattheo let out a deep sigh, his eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. "Draco, you should have told me how you felt about her," he said.

"I know," I replied, my voice tinged with regret. "But I couldn't bring myself to take away your happiness. We already have enough on our plates at home.... But if it makes you feel better, I promise you, I won't do anything to hurt her. In fact, it's more likely that she'll end up hurting me."

Mattheo looked at me with a mix of confusion and concern. "What do you mean?"

I pause for a moment, taking a deep breath, and accepting the fact..."I'm not you..." 

Mattheo appears surprised by my words as he looks at me, "If you're aware of Dani's feelings for me, why would you willingly subject yourself to the agony of pursuing a relationship with her?" 

I shrug and lean back in the chair. "I suppose I'm holding onto the possibility that she might love me back," I admit. "And if she doesn't, at least I can move on... But I don't want to live with the regret of never exploring the chance of something more with her."

Mattheo nodded, then leaned back comfortably into the plush couch. After a moment of quietness, he turned to me with a serious expression, "Promise me one thing, Draco."

Without hesitation, I responded, "Of course, anything."

Mattheo's eyes narrowed, "Just don't let her do anything reckless. Just because I am not with her, doesn't mean I still don't worry about her."

I nod, "I understand your concern, and I promise to do my best to keep her safe...  I always have."

Mattheo let out a sigh and shifted his gaze towards me. "So where is she anyways?"

"I believe she is with her brother and the rest of the Gryffindor group getting things prepared for the second event."