The Riddle within. | Mattheo Riddle | 18+

The sorting ceremony

Y/n followed Professor McGonagall through the grand doors of the Great Hall, her eyes wide with wonder as they entered. The sight of the enchanted ceiling displaying a starry night sky and the long wooden tables filled with students from all houses filled her heart with a warm feeling.

As they approached the front of the room, the Sorting Hat sat atop a rickety stool, seemingly pondering its next decision. Y/n's heart raced as she stood there, knowing that the hat would soon reveal her fate.

"Y/n Y/l/n," Professor McGonagall called out, her voice echoing in the vast hall. Y/n took a deep breath, her emerald eyes scanning the faces of the students from the four houses. Whispers rippled through the hall as everyone awaited the Sorting Hat's verdict. All eyes were on her as she stepped forward, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The moment the hat touched her head, it seemed to come to life. Its brim twitched, and a hushed conversation ensued, audible only to Y/n.

"Hmm, a curious case," the hat mumbled. "Clever, resourceful, yet a streak of bravery and a dash of ambition. Quite the combination."

Y/n's heart raced as she waited for the Sorting Hat's decision. She couldn't help but glance toward the Slytherin table where Enzo and the others sat, eagerly watching her.

"Slytherin!" the Sorting Hat finally declared.

The Slytherin table erupted in applause and cheers, welcoming their newest member. Y/n couldn't help but smile as McGonagall removed the hat and she made her way to join her new housemates. The warmth of their welcome eased her nerves, and she felt a sense of belonging settle in.

As she took her seat among the Slytherins, Y/n couldn't help but notice a figure in the corner of her eye. Mattheo Riddle, who had been seemingly disinterested earlier, was now watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, and Y/n's heart skipped a beat.

However, just as quickly as their eyes had met, Mattheo broke the connection and rose from his seat. He left the Great Hall without a word, disappearing into the corridors of Hogwarts.

"Come sit y/n !" Enzo said patting the seat beside him.

"Thanks, Enzo" She answered with a smile

"We're so thrilled to have you with us, dear. Slytherin is where all the fun is at." Pansy said

"Aw thanks Pansy", y/n started to settle in with the group. They talked for what seemed like hours about professors, personal stories and of course, the famous Slytherin parties!

But amidst the laughter and friendly teasing, Y/n couldn't help but think about her encounter with Mattheo Riddle. Why was he so dry towards her? Why was he avoiding her but still keeping an eye on her? What did he want?

"Hey, guys," Y/n began, "I couldn't help but notice that Mattheo was... well, quite dry when we first met, and now he's not even at dinner. Is that how he usually is?"

Enzo exchanged puzzled glances with the others before shaking his head. "That's weird. Mattheo is usually the opposite of dry. He's quite the charmer, you know, enjoys flirting with girls for fun."

Pansy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's always been one to keep things lively and interesting."

"It's possible he's just having an off day. We all do sometimes." Blaise answered.

"Or maybe he's discovered a new hobby, like studying or something equally weird." Tom added

"I guess he wasn't in the mood for the usual theatrics today, unlike others" Theo glanced at Draco with a mischievous grin.

Draco leaned in with a sly grin, his grey eyes locked on Y/n. "You see, Y/n, maybe Mattheo just stumbled upon something more fascinating than his usual antics with girls." He winked playfully, casting a knowing look at Theo. "Perhaps he's been...distracted by someone enchanting, like yourself."

Theo laughed, shaking his head in agreement. "Draco, you might be onto something there. Y/n's presence does have a way of capturing attention."

As the boys kept flirting with y/n, Pansy playfully rolled her eyes and interrupted. "Alright, you two, stop eye-fucking Y/n and let her enjoy her meal in peace."

"Charm is one thing, but I'm more interested in seeing what lies beneath the surface." y/n teased with her emerald eyes locking into Theo's and Draco's before laughing and getting back to her food.

Draco gulped audibly, and a hint of colour rose in his cheeks. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "Well, Y/n, you certainly have a way with words," he managed to reply, his tone a touch huskier than before.

Theo, too, felt the heat of Y/n's words. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "You've got us there, Y/n," he said, trying to play it cool but failing to hide the fluster in his voice.

Their reactions didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the Slytherin group, who exchanged amused glances, thoroughly entertained by the playful banter that had taken over the evening.

"Y/n you sure are something else girl, I can tell we're going to get along" Pansy laughed

"You are my favourite person now!" Enzo laughed "You should fluster them more often, it's usually the other way round"

"Yeah yeah, whatever" Draco chuckled.

After dinner, y/n decided to go unpack in her dorm.

"I'm going to go unpack my things, Pansy, I think we're sharing a dorm right ?" Y/n asked.

"OMG yes, we are! I can't wait, I'll help you unpack" she said with excitement

"See you later guys" y/n said with a playful wink to Draco and Theo

"Good to keep them on their toes y/n, they should get a taste of their own medicine" Pansy laughed.

On the way to their dorm, the girls stumble upon Mattheo.

Y/n and Pansy exchanged curious glances as they spotted Mattheo Riddle in the corridor leaning against a wall with his fist clenched.

"Hey, Mattheo," Y/n said, trying to sound friendly. "You okay?"

Mattheo's dark eyes flickered in her direction before turning away. "Just taking a walk." he replied

Pansy, always one to be direct, chimed in, "Why weren't you at dinner?"

"Not hungry." he shrugged

Y/n couldn't help but sense he was hiding something. She decided to push a little further. "You sure you're okay?"

He met her gaze briefly, and for a moment, Y/n thought she saw a flicker of something, perhaps vulnerability, in his eyes. "I'm fine, Y/n. Don't worry about me." He said in a dry tone

Pansy exchanged a glance with Y/n, both unsure of what was going on with Mattheo. Before they could say more, Mattheo excused himself and walked away.

"Dude is even weirder than normal, and that's saying something," Pansy said breaking the silence as they continued on their way to the dormitory.

"Weird..." y/n didn't know what to say. Why was he acting like this the moment she arrived at Hogwarts?

Pansy nodded, her expression mirroring Y/n's worry. "Yeah, he's usually not like this."

Back in their cosy dorm room, Y/n's belongings were neatly arranged thanks to Pansy's help. They settled in, preparing for their first night back at Hogwarts.

Pansy sighed, breaking the silence once more. "We should keep an eye on Mattheo, see if there's something going on."

Y/n agreed, and as they lay in their beds, y/n slowly fell asleep.