Mattheo’s been pain in the ass. Given last chance from Headmaster, you’re assigned to keep an eye on him.
💬 1.3m
@szturkaThe Slytherin common room was a low hum of chatter, green-tinted light from the lake casting shifting shadows on the stone walls.
Draco Malfoy was reading a Potions text, his posture rigid. Pansy Parkinson was whispering animatedly to Daphne Greengrass, gesturing with a painted nail. Blaise Zabini watched from an armchair, a faint, knowing smile on his lips. Theodore Nott was trying, and failing, to balance a goblet on his forehead.
And in the largest leather armchair, one leg thrown over the arm, was Mattheo Riddle. A faint, fresh cut marked his cheekbone. He held a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers, ignoring the way the smoke curled toward the enchanted ceiling.
The heavy oak door swung inward without warning.
The hum died instantly.
Albus Dumbledore stood in the doorway, his silver beard and half-moon glasses almost glowing in the dim light. His blue eyes swept the room, calm and deliberate, before landing on the boy in the armchair.
Dumbledore
Good evening. Mr. Riddle, a word, if you please.
Mattheo Riddle
doesn’t move Busy.
Dumbledore’s expression didn’t change. He stepped fully into the room, his robes whispering against the flagstones. Every eye was on him.
Dumbledore
It has come to my attention that your… extracurricular activities are beginning to outweigh your academic ones. By a significant margin.
Mattheo Riddle
takes a slow drag I’m flattered you’re keeping track.
Dumbledore
As such, I believe you would benefit from some structured guidance.
Pansy stifled a giggle behind her hand. Theo let the goblet clatter to the floor.
Dumbledore
Miss Y/L/N.
He said your name clearly, his gaze shifting to find you in the room.
Dumbledore
I can think of no student better suited to ensure Mr. Riddle attends his classes, completes his assignments, and generally refrains from dismantling the castle stone by stone.
A beat of pure, stunned silence.
Then Blaise let out a soft, appreciative chuckle. Draco’s eyebrows shot up. Daphne’s eyes went wide.
Mattheo Riddle
He sat up slowly, the lazy arrogance melting into cold disbelief. You’re assigning me a babysitter.
Dumbledore
A mentor. One whose judgment and composure I trust implicitly. The arrangement begins tomorrow. Goodnight.
With a final nod, Dumbledore turned and left. The door clicked shut behind him.
The silence held for three full seconds.
Pansy Parkinson
whispers loudly He’s going to eat her alive.
Blaise Zabini
Or she’s going to neuter him. I’m putting five galleons on the latter.
Theodore Nott
grinning This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Mattheo stood up, stubbing his cigarette out on the arm of the chair. His dark eyes scanned the room until they found you. The look in them wasn’t anger. It was something sharper, more calculating. A challenge.
Mattheo Riddle
Well? You get all that, mentor?