From Eden | Mattheo Riddle

One - A Proposition (I)

Summer was coming to an end. This was endlessly exciting news for Eurydice DeRose, who had spent the greater part of her summer working in her father's restaurant, burning her hands on plates and getting grease in her hair. Returning to Hogwarts meant she could return to the regular pampering she received from her friends.

Mattheo was still the only one who knew the truth about Eurydice, and, as a result, Eurydice was often forced into different high society events by Pansy and Draco. Just last winter, Eurydice had been forced to accompany her friends to the annual Malfoy winter ball. Mattheo had bought her a painfully expensive gown (though he hadn't batted an eye at the price) and spent two weeks teaching her how to waltz. Eurydice had fit in perfectly. In fact, Eurydice had thrived, pretending to be a rich, well-educated pureblood. For an evening, Eurydice had almost forgotten that she was really a muggleborn waitress from a working class family.

The sun was beating in through the large windows of the restaurant, baking Eurydice under its heat. Natalia's was a small lunch spot located in the middle of Bristol. Fernando DeRose had named it after Eurydice's late mother, although it was hardly a compliment. The building was old, the roof leaking at the slightest rainfall. The paint was peeling, the door was rusting. Eurydice's father didn't seem to care about fixing up the restaurant, either. He didn't seem to care about most things these days.

The door creaked open, the obnoxious bell on the door ringing out in the empty shop.

"Be with you in a moment." Eurydice called out, wiping down a table.

"Is that any way to greet your best friend?"

Eurydice turned around, her eyes landing on Mattheo. He had certainly matured over the summer. He had always been pretty, but somehow he'd managed to elevate himself to handsome over the past three months.

"Téo!" Eurydice smiled. She jumped into his arms, the dirty rag she'd been using still in her hand. Mattheo hugged her back just as aggressively, his arms wrapped around her waist. He laughed gently, lifting his head up to survey the shop.

"Nice place you got here." He commented. Eurydice pulled away, giving him a mock-annoyed look.

"Don't." She said.

"I didn't say anything!" Mattheo defended, holding his hands up in surrender. "I just pictured it a lot more..."

"...Cheerful?"

"Operable." Mattheo corrected.

"Stop." Eurydice smacked his chest with the rag in her hand.

"As you wish, princess." Mattheo found a seat, leaning back in a rickety chair.

"What inspired you to stop by?" Eurydice took the seat across from him. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

"This."

Mattheo tossed a letter across the table. Eurydice hesitantly opened it, revealing the contents.

Mattheo,

It has come to my attention that you are well-acquainted with Miss Eurydice DeRose. As you know, the DeRose family is highly influential. I must encourage you to pursue a relationship with the girl. It would be highly beneficial to your family and its future.

I suspect it won't be long before we see a resurface of your father's power. It will be best to have something to show your promise. A marriage with a member of the DeRose family will secure you land, money, and political influence, all of which will create the connections he needs to return to his rightful power.