Unwelcomed

"I'm gonna be sick" Cori gagged.

He took off, running towards the white rose bushes that aunt Cissa planted and vomited all over them.

Snape and I cringed, watching in disgust as my brother retched. He was hungover, severely hungover and apparating back home only made his condition worse. Thankfully, he didn't throw up on Snape's shoes this time- which would have been worse.

"Aunt Cissa is not going to be pleased about her rose bushes now ruined"I breathe as we walk towards Cori.

"I'll add it to the list of things I need to clean up after the mess you two made" Snape sighed.

My lips spread into a smirk. He rolls his eyes already knowing what was coming. He may come up as dark and grouchy, but he truly is a softie on the inside.

"What will we do without you Papa Sev?" He absolutely hated it when we called him that.

"Cry in despair? Burn? Die an extremely painful death?"

A snort escaped me while I gently pat my brothers back as he continued to vomit some more. Snape has helped me and my brother countless times. Always had our backs when the rest of the world turned their backs on us. Not even Dumbledore cared much for us since he favored the three stooges the most.

"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up"

He gave me a tiny, barely there smile before he hoisted Cori up on his feet and carefully led him towards the door. The double doors to Malfoy Manor swung open and I felt a sense of relief flood through me. Malfoy Manor wasn't at all warm and welcoming but it was home and somehow this place will always feel more like home than Grimmauld Place.

"I think- I think I can manage to go to my room on my own" Cori groaned, nearly stumbling on his own feet as he approached the staircase.

"Without falling down the stairs potentially breaking your neck and your arse in the process? I don't think so, silly, foolish boy" Snape drawled, a sarcastic look on his face.

Cori didn't argue cause he knew Snape was right. But it didn't stop him from clenching his jaw and having a pouty expression.

With a lot of difficulty, Snape and I manage to get Cori up to his room and into bed to sleep off his hangover. I skip my brothers shoes off and place the dark grey throw blanket over him.

"You're lucky we are not at school or else you would have gained a months worth detention for this, boy"

"Lucky me indeed. Though I'd rather suffer with you in detention than to be in the hell hole you got us out of" Cori replied sleepily but I didn't miss the crack in his voice.

Snape didn't say anything after that. He didn't have to ever say anything about it, but I know he's just as disappointed at my dad as much as Cori and I are. He thinks Sirius is as pathetic as they come. No different than his own father and mother- my grandparents. He never thought that Sirius, of all people, would treat his own kin in such a way, not after how he was treated growing up for simply being different...

"Stop. Doing. That " Snape's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Turning my head to look at him, I saw he had a raised eyebrow in warning.

"Oops" I give him a sheepish smile.

"Vinny!"

Seconds later the house elf apparated in the room. He bowed his head at me, clearly not surprised about me and Cori being home earlier than intended.

"Yes, sir?"

"Make Mister Black some coffee. Make sure he gets some food in him later" Snape told Vinny who nodded his head before apparating away.

Snape then proceeded to place a small vial containing a liquid on Cori's nightstand. It was a potion to help his hangover. Aside from myself, Snape had been the only other one who'd seen Cori at his worst. Aside from Lucius- who'd always been a hard ass towards Cori and Draco, Snape was also something of a father figure to my brother and myself. I suppose I have our mother to thank for that since she made Snape our godfather before we were born.

"Thank you" I mumble as we walk out of Cori's room, ignoring his loud snores.

Snape only shook his head and patted me on the shoulder.

"Very well. I'll see you two in two weeks. Try and stay out of trouble"

Try and stay out of trouble. His version of saying love you, little brat.

Growing up in the Malfoy household, we weren't big on saying I love you's. Instead we resort to other phrases or actions that show our loyalty that mean all the same. It sort of stuck with me and Cori.

"You know I don't make any promises" I smirk.

Rolling his eyes, he waved me away as he made his journey down the stairs. Once the doors closed, the silence of Malfoy Manor becomes more evident. It's just now me and Cori.

A  W e e k  L a  t e r

My aunt, uncle and Draco weren't due for another week. When that week finally came, they were surprised to see us home. I considered writing to them to tell them what happened but didn't. I didn't want to make them come home early from their trip. But when Cissa saw the look in mine and Cori's eyes, she knew things didn't go at all well while staying with our father.

"I'm sorry" she whispered into my ear as we wrap each other in a hug.

"Don't. It's not your fault. You just wanted to give us a chance and you did. We did our part and he chose not to do his"

She still looked sorry. But unlike her, uncle Lucius didn't seem surprised.

"As I said, there's not much one can expect from a blood traitor. You know they'd even go as far as to betray their own blood. But as for you two, you both needn't worry. You have us, always" Uncle Lucius said opening his arms wide.

Cori was the first to walk into his embrace and then it was my turn, only he gave me a kiss on each side of my head. Uncle Lucius was a cold man to those who didn't know him personally. But once you get rid of the rough edges, you'd find that he isn't at all bad. He's still a pompous asshole, but the man has a devotion for family and for the last eight years, he'd prove countless times that Cori and I are his family.

"And us is all you need" Draco said placing a kiss on the top of my head before he went over to give Cori a 'bro' hug. Those two were always thick as thieves.

The day went as it usually did with the five of us doing our own thing. In the evening, we sat at the dinner table after a meal and talked about what was going on at the Ministry. Uncle Lucius, as usual, brought up the topic of the new semester and what our goals were for that year. As always, Draco and Cori would be trying out for Quidditch even though their spots were always promised. When they turned to me, they nearly choked when I said I was thinking about not trying out this year.

"You are the best chaser along side Nott! And an amazing seeker whenever Draco is too beat up to play!" Cori exclaimed ignoring the glare Draco shot at him.

"As much as it pains me to admit it, you do give Potter a run for his money" Draco smirked.

"Well someone has to represent this family, Draco" Lucius said with a sneer in his face.

Draco looked down to his plate. Lucius always found a way to belittle my cousin and I absolutely hated it. He always underestimated him. Draco may be an ass but he is truly a bright and clever bloke, it saddens me that my uncle applies so much pressure on him.

"As much as I love quidditch, I fear I'm just not that great at it- as a seeker anyways. I mean, not as talented as Draco. He's a natural. Was born to play the sport. I wouldn't know how to play properly if it weren't for him and Cori" I explain.

"It's true" Cori shrugged in agreement as he took a bite out of his raspberry tart that we were all having for dessert.

Uncle Lucius seemed intrigued- which is the reaction I was looking for.

"Hmm" he hummed, seeming rather pleased by my words.

"Thank you, coz" Draco whispered to me when Lucius turned to pour himself another glass of wine.

"Don't mention it, Dray"

We had a short conversation about our education before our aunt and uncle called it a night. The three of us just hung out in the living room and told Draco about our short stay with Sirius. The remainder of that final week of summer, it was just the three of us hanging out or going to Diagon Alley for a Butterbeer or two...

I found myself walking up a hill. It was dark. Nighttime. Cold with a gentle breeze. I wasn't alone, there were others around me, black cloaks everywhere. I make it to the front, gently pushing my way through the crowd. I gasp as I look at the scene in front of me. It was almost beautiful and yet so hauntingly gut wrenching as a cold sharp feeling run up my spine. I couldn't explain it and neither would I admit what I think the feeling like. I couldn't allow myself to feel that way.

"Soon, the world will see what I, what we are capable of. Those who hurt you will finally have a taste of your rage" a low voice said in my ear as I felt a hand gently grasped my shoulder.

The voice sent a lull of calmness and reassurance through me- as if I can trust whoever it was that was speaking to me. I was giving in until another voice spoke out of nowhere.

"Don't listen to him!" The other voice shouted snapping me out of whatever trance like state I was falling under. Someone else's hand grasped my other shoulder, pulling me backwards...

My eyes snap open as I sit upright from leaning my head against the window. Pansy, who was sitting across from me also jumped up in fright. I felt as if my heart was in my throat as I scanned my surroundings remembering where I was.

"Merlin Carina, are you alright?" Daphne asked, eyes full of concern.

My own eyes flickered over to Cori and Draco, who were also startled by me nearly jumping out of my own skeleton. Blaise and Theo seemed concerned as well.

"Yeah. I'm fine. How long was I asleep?" I asked trying to keep my voice even.

"Two hours. Seemed like you needed it though" Blaise answered.

My eyes flickered over to Cori- who I know for certain was more concerned than anyone in this compartment and only because he knew me better.

"Guess I did. I'll be right back. I'm going to freshen up before we arrive"

"Would you like for us to go with you?" Pansy asked.

"It's not necessary. I'll be quick" I give her a reassuring smile before I leave the compartment. I stop at the door upon realizing we were missing an addition to our group.

"He's probably off snogging that Ravenclaw" Theo snickered before taking a sip from his flask.

Rolling my eyes, I shut the door closed and make my way down the narrow corridor of the train carriage we're in. My head still felt was if smoke was swirling in it, making me still feel disoriented. Shaking my head lightly, I try to remain focused.

Reaching the washrooms, I walk inside and shut the door. A long sigh leaves my lips now that I'm alone and it's quiet except for the sounds of the train. Turning on the faucet, I wash my hands then dry them before I lean against the sink and stare at myself in the mirror. Images of the dream I had flashed through my mind and I can't make any sense of it.

Mentally cursing myself for taking a longer nap than intended, I take a deep breath before exhaling again. My heart beat became less rapid now that I felt a little relaxed but I still felt on edge. There was something about this new term that I felt would be different. Of course I couldn't bloody explain it, but something felt very off. The edge started last week after the day my aunt, uncle and Draco returned from their trip. Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius were acting more secretive than usual. I'd catch them having hushed discussions and disagreements. I didn't ask them about it of course since it was not my place. But something about the haunted way Aunt Cissa would look at me, Cori and Draco planted a seed of deep worry in me.

After taking a few more deep breaths, I decide that it's best I return to my friends. Upon opening the door, however, I nearly jump out of my skin again when I see who is standing right in front of me.

"Merlin fucking hell, Mattheo! What the bloody hell are you doing here?!" I hiss at him as he exhales smoke from the cigarette he was smoking.

"Well I saw you go in there all damsel in distress like and I waited to see if you'd needed help with anything"

"I'm fine. And I'm not a damsel. And I most certainly don't need help much less anyone coming to my aid" I say sharply.

Mattheo's lips spread into a smirk. He absentmindedly switches his lighter on and off- something he always does.

"I thought you'd say that" he chuckled lightly.

His smile and soft laughs were always contagious, to me at least. I found myself smiling a little. Mattheo and I haven't known each other long, not like I did Blaise, Theo, Daphne and Pansy, but we knew each other long enough to have something of a bond.

"But seriously. What's up with you looking like you haven't slept in weeks?" He went on to ask.

"I do sleep"

"Not enough. That much is very clear" he said reaching out to brush a thumb gently under one of my eyes.

"Well if you must know, my summer didn't go at all well"

"Your father?" He asked.

I nodded my head telling him he was right. Mattheo knew the extent of my feelings towards mine and Cori's father. He knew exactly how painful the situation was and he understood perfectly which is why he never really asked me about it out loud. He just knew how much my fathers rejection bothered me.

"I see. Well forget the fucker. You're here now and he's there, wherever the fuck he is. You don't need him, Carina. You have me...and Cori, Draco, Pansy and you get the bloody point"

"I know. So. Are you going to tell me why you haven't answered any of our letters?" I ask changing the subject.

He hesitated for a moment. His lips pursed into a thin line.

"You're not the only one who had a shitty summer, Black. But just so you know. I didn't write to you because I didn't want to. I didn't write because I couldn't" he said in a low voice.

"I understand" and I did.

In the short time I've known Mattheo, he confided in me a few short times and one of those times was when he told me about his home life. His mother is a quiet woman who was dealing with several mental health issues but what was a thorn in his side was the man he called step father. The man held a certain kind of hatred towards him and he hated the fact that Mattheo is a wizard and can use magic. His stepfather inflicted physical pain on him countless times and not even his own mother did anything to stop it. Mattheo cared for his mother- that much I'm certain of but I can tell he resented her.

"Anyways, we're here now and we have loads of time to catch up, don't we?"

"I suppose we do. Where were you by the way? The boys believe you're locked in a compartment snogging that Ravenclaw we keep seeing you chase after"

Mattheo grinned like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. He ran a hand through his dark curly hair, making it slightly messy.

"Oh, that ended the first day of summer break"

"She bored you already?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him.

"No. Just realized she's not the one I'm after" he said all in one breath.

Something about the way he was looking at me made me shift on my feet. I'm not easily unnerved and yet Mattheo on multiple occasions proved me wrong. I'm usually the one to unnerve people. Before I could ask he spoke.

"If you must know, I'm recuperating from a bad hangover. Drank myself to sleep last night. Thought sleeping in an empty compartment could do me some good before joining you lot. So on that note, after you" he said motioning for me to walk ahead of him.

I oblige and lead him back towards the compartment we're staying in. The narrow corridor was empty, thankfully, that is until we see a certain Gryffindor walking our way with one of his ginger friends. Moving to the side to let him pass, Harry's eyes lock right on mine. We didn't leave off on good terms the last time we saw each other and it's not loss for me since Harry Potter was absolutely nothing to me. Yet when our eyes locked, I could see guilt in them.

"Potter" Mattheo said in a casual tone, greeting him.

"Riddle" Harry said in a tone full of aggression and spite.

I never understood why Harry hated Mattheo. Not once had they ever exchanged more than just a few words and Mattheo never did any ill will towards him. Then again, Harry hates Slytherins so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he hates Mattheo just as much as he hates Draco, Cori and me- even if Mattheo is still technically new to Hogwarts since my second year.

"Well look who finally decided to grace us with his presence" Cori said upon Mattheo and I entering the compartment.

"I considered hiding for another hour before coming to waste my precious brain cells on you lot" Mattheo joked whilst giving a hug to my brother and then to Draco.

I plopped down on my seat by the window noticing the suggestive look Pansy was giving him. Rolling my eyes playfully at her, I take out a book from my bag and start to read. We only had about another hour until we arrive at Hogwarts and I was still feeling sleepy so reading was one of the few things that would help me stay awake.

The boys got lost in some random conversation while I eventually abandoned my book and struck up a conversation with Pansy and Daphne about planning a trip to Hogsmead when the time came to go...

"I don't think I'll ever be able to express how much I love it here" Daphne sighed as we walked into the great hall.

Crinkling my nose, I look around at the hall. I can see the allure of Hogwarts and why everyone loves this place so much. There was a time where even I loved this place once but that all changed during our third year when it came out that Sirius Black our father escaped Azkaban and a panic started at Hogwarts with all fingers pointing at me and my brother claiming we'd end up like our father and help him kill everyone in this damn castle. Our treatment was no different from the two previous years, but third year turned out to be a bit of a nasty year for my twin brother and I. Hogwarts is beautiful place without a doubt but that's all it would ever be to me- a place that Cori and myself aren't welcome in.

"Can't believe how fast time passed" Pansy said looping her arms through mine and Daphne's.

"Not fast enough" i scoff.

"Right, cause we're all looking forward to graduation and starting our adult lives" Draco said once we take our seats.

"If it means that it'll grant me my freedom, then I can't wait to get the hell out of here" I reply.

Draco gave me a pursed smile. He knows my desire to up and leave one day; to disappear. I decided that after graduation I wasn't going to stick around in England for long. Despite it being home, Cori and I didn't belong in Malfoy Manor, not really. Eventually Draco would marry and he'd inherit Malfoy Manor where he'd raise a family with whatever poor girl he'd marry who'd tolerate his annoying ass. In my eyes, there really wasn't no place here for me and Cori. Now I can't speak for my brother but I know for certain there isn't much left for me in England and eventually my friends would also go out and build their own lives, specifically Theo and Blaise, who had expressed countless times to me how much they want to leave England after graduating.

My gaze lands on Mattheo who was already looking at me. His expression was unreadable but what he said kind of surprised me.

"You and I both, Black. Salazar knows how eager I am for this to all end" he said with such ease that almost made me miss the fact that his words might've held a deeper meaning.

"End? And what may it be you want to end Mister Riddle?" Dumbledore asked, stopping on his tracks while he was heading towards the front of the room.

"A many great deal of things, headmaster. But for now, I'd settle for Hogwarts" Mattheo said giving him a wicked grin.

Dumbledore, if he was shocked by the At statement, he didn't show it. He kept a calm demeanor and I prayed to Salazar that Mattheo wouldn't get into trouble again. I neither liked nor respected Dumbledore. From the moment I met the man, it was obvious he had an agenda for everything. Some people were blind and ignorant to the fact that Albus Dumbledore is not the righteous man that he deems himself as. But I see him for what he really is.

"Well, Mister Riddle. I can guarantee that your time in Hogwarts will come to an end, when you graduate of course. But know that Hogwarts will always be a place of safety and a home to those who need it" Dumbledore told him.

"Will it?" Mattheo asked, raising an eyebrow at the headmaster.

At this point, everyone in the Slytherin table and a few others from the other houses were looking at him and Dumbledore.

"For as long as this school stands" Dumbledore assured.

Mattheo hummed in response.

"With the way you're running it. It won't be for long, will it?" Mattheo asked, his head turning slightly towards a finger dressed in pink sitting at the head table. My eyes hurt just seeing that horrid color.

I then found myself just staring at the headmaster. My mind started to wander that was until Dumbledore's head face towards me and he gave me a warning look. I didn't offer any hint of apologies but feeling Cori's hand on my shoulder, I decided to look away from the headmaster. He walked away a moment after and we all turned to Mattheo who was twirling a butter knife in his fingers.

"You really do have balls of steel talking to the headmaster that way" Blaise laughed lightly.

"He knows how I feel about this place and I'm simply letting him know that" he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Merlin. You, Carina and Cori are the only ones bold enough to speak to him like that without getting into trouble. I open my mouth and it's always a lecture I'm receiving on that old man's end" Theo grumbled.

"It's almost as if he's afraid of the three of you" Pansy pointed out.

"I think Albus Dumbledore has bigger things to worry about than three Slytherins. Then again, perhaps he should be worried about us banding together" Cori said referring to the Ministry being on his ass lately.

"Loyal to the end?" I ask in a joking manner glancing at Mattheo and my brother.

"To the end indeed" Mattheo smirked.

I'm sorry it took so long to update! It's been crazy with the holidays and work has been super busy. But here is Chapter 2 and Mattheo's intro to the story! I had a lot of ideas on how I wanted to introduce him in this book and I went with this route instead. I know this chapter wasn't as drama packed but it's going to start up again next chapter.

I forgot to mention that in this story, nobody knows Voldemorts real name, so no one knows that Mattheo is his son. Only
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny know that Mattheo is related to Tom Riddle (Voldy) in some way but they don't know that he's Voldemorts son yet. In Hogwarts, only Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid know that Mattheo is Voldemorts son.

Mattheo is not Bellatrix's son in this story! And I might add a few new characters! So keep an eye out when I republish the Cast.

And I also want to point out that this story line is also a AU, so there's a chance that I will not follow the exact story line from the books and movies.

Other than that, I hope you liked this chapter! Get ready for more soft Snapey in this story.

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter and your predictions for this story.

Please give this story a vote! And thank you for reading!

I hope you're all having a wonderful Holiday!

💚💚🎄🎄