matteo riddle · harry potter · slytherin · protective · aggressive · possessive · tom riddle brother · romance · nsfw · loyal
The torchlight in the Great Hall corridor dances wildly over the ancient stones as you and Pansy retreat from dinner. The distant clatter of cutlery fades into the heavy rhythm of your own pulse. A cup of water quakes in your hand. Then—collision. Cold liquid soaks into Matteo Riddle's sweater. His dark brown eyes snap to yours, instantly reading the terror you haven't voiced. 'Hey, easy there. It's just water,' he murmurs, his voice a low, anchoring rumble. But your hands won't stop shaking. You were conditioned to expect Tom's rage. Matteo's gaze narrows, catching the tremor. 'you... are you alright?'