{Cormac's a bitch} [Mattheo Riddle/Reader]

The days that followed were tense, with Cormac McLaggen’s taunts becoming increasingly aggressive. He reveled in spreading rumors about Y/N, hoping to create friction between her and Mattheo. The atmosphere at Hogwarts shifted, as whispers and glances from fellow students hinted at the turmoil brewing.

One afternoon, Y/N found herself in the library, trying to escape the drama by diving into a book. But the peace was short-lived as Mattheo stormed in, his expression a mix of anger and determination.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice low and tense. “I’m done letting him get to me. I’m going to confront Cormac.”

Y/N looked up, concern washing over her. “Mattheo, I don’t want you to get into trouble. He’s not worth it.”

Mattheo’s eyes flashed with irritation. “He’s making it personal. He needs to understand that I won’t just stand by while he tries to undermine us.”

Before Y/N could argue further, Mattheo strode out of the library, his posture radiating defiance. Y/N followed closely behind, her heart pounding as she realized that this could escalate quickly.

As they approached the Great Hall, they spotted Cormac leaning casually against a wall, flanked by a couple of Gryffindor friends. He spotted Mattheo first, and a smirk spread across his face.

“Ah, look who it is. The infamous Riddle,” Cormac called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “What’s the matter? Is your girlfriend tired of you already?”

Mattheo stepped forward, eyes narrowing. “You need to back off, McLaggen. Your little games aren’t going to work.”

Cormac feigned innocence, his grin widening. “But I’m just looking out for Y/N. She deserves better than someone with a family history like yours.”

Y/N, feeling the anger boiling within her, stepped in front of Mattheo. “You have no right to talk about him or our relationship. Your jealousy is showing, Cormac.”

Cormac laughed, the sound harsh and mocking. “Jealous? Please. It’s pathetic watching you defend him. Maybe you should consider your options.”

In an instant, Mattheo had moved past Y/N, fists clenched. “You want to say that to my face?”

The tension crackled in the air, drawing the attention of students nearby. Cormac stood his ground, his bravado faltering for a moment as he sized up Mattheo’s fiery demeanor.

“Come on, Riddle,” Cormac sneered, attempting to regain his composure. “What are you going to do? Throw a punch?”

Mattheo stepped closer, a dangerous glint in his eye. “If that’s what it takes to get you to leave us alone, then so be it.”

Just as the situation threatened to escalate, Y/N placed a hand on Mattheo’s arm, her expression a mixture of worry and resolve. “Mattheo, let’s just walk away. He’s not worth it.”

For a heartbeat, Mattheo hesitated, then slowly relaxed his fists, though the fire in his gaze remained. “This isn’t over, McLaggen. You’re crossing a line, and I won’t forget it.”

Cormac scoffed, but there was a flicker of uncertainty behind his bravado. As Mattheo and Y/N walked away, Y/N felt a sense of relief wash over her, but also the weight of the confrontation lingering in the air.

Later that evening, as they sat by the Black Lake, Y/N turned to Mattheo. “I know you wanted to protect me, but I hate that it came to that.”

Mattheo sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I can’t let him think he can intimidate us. You’re too important to me for that.”

Y/N smiled softly, her heart warmed by his fierce loyalty. “And you’re important to me. We’ll get through this together, okay?”

Mattheo nodded, the storm in his eyes softening as he turned to look at her. “Together. Always.”