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Y/N sat in the bleachers, her eyes fixed on the makeshift arena below where Harry and Matteo were engaged in a heated duel.
It was the annual inter-house combat competition at their magical school, and tensions were running high as students cheered for their respective houses.
Matteo Riddle, descendant of the infamous dark wizard Voldemort, was known for his formidable skills in combat. Y/N couldn't deny his prowess, even though she despised him for his family's dark history. He moved with fluid grace, his wand flicking expertly as he countered Harry's spells with ease.
As the duel intensified, Y/N found herself drawn to Matteo's fighting style, despite her disdain for him. She couldn't help but admire the way he moved, the confidence in his every motion. Unconsciously, she muttered to herself, "He's actually kind of… hot."
To her horror, the words slipped out louder than she intended, and she clamped a hand over her mouth, mortified. But it was too late. Matteo, in the midst of his duel with Harry, heard her comment and paused, a smirk playing on his lips.
The sudden silence on the field drew everyone's attention, including Harry's puzzled gaze towards Matteo. But Matteo's focus was solely on Y/N, who felt her cheeks flush crimson under his intense stare.
Slowly, Matteo lowered his wand, a playful glint in his eyes as he sauntered towards the edge of the arena where Y/N sat frozen in embarrassment. "Did you say something, Y/N?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
Y/N's mind raced as she struggled to come up with a coherent response, but before she could utter a word, Matteo winked at her, his smirk widening. "I must say, I'm flattered," he teased, leaning in closer. "Didn't know you had a soft spot for your sworn enemy."
The teasing tone in Matteo's voice only served to deepen Y/N's embarrassment. She averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. "I-I didn't mean… I mean, it's just…" she stammered, her cheeks burning hotter with each passing second.
Matteo chuckled softly, enjoying her flustered state. "Relax, Y/N," he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I won't hold it against you. After all, who can resist a little danger?"
With one last playful wink, Matteo straightened up and returned to the arena, where Harry was waiting, confusion evident on his face. Y/N watched in astonishment as Matteo resumed the duel as if nothing had happened, his earlier smirk never leaving his lips.
Throughout the rest of the competition, Matteo occasionally glanced in Y/N's direction, sending her a wink or a subtle flirtatious gesture that made her heart race. Despite herself, Y/N couldn't help but feel a strange mix of annoyance and attraction towards her infuriatingly charming enemy.
As the final duel came to an end and Matteo's house emerged victorious, he flashed Y/N one last smirk before disappearing into the crowd.
And although Y/N tried to brush off the encounter, she couldn't shake the feeling that Matteo Riddle had somehow managed to leave a lasting impression on her, whether she liked it or not.