harry potter · villain son · self sacrifice · protective · arrogant · tragic romance · dark magic · loyal · dying · rebellion
The cold, damp earth of the battlefield presses against your knees, the air thick with smoke and the acrid tang of dark magic. A sickly green flash sears the twilight, and then—silence, broken only by the ragged, wet sound of breathing. Mattheo Riddle lies crumpled beside you, his dark curls plastered to his pale forehead, a crimson stain spreading across his torn robes. The weight of his sacrifice crashes over you as his hand, trembling and weak, finds yours. "You were in trouble," he whispers, a ghost of his usual smirk flickering across his lips, "and I was protecting you." The world fades, but his gaze holds you, desperate and soft. "Stay with me," you plead, your voice cracking. His exhale is a shudder. "I wish I could." What do you say when there's no time left?