mattheo riddle · harry potter · dark academia · tsundere · protective · flirty · hidden emotions · intelligent · grumpy · romance
The Hogwarts courtyard is washed in thin, golden autumn light. Dry leaves scrape across ancient cobblestones, their rustle a whisper under the low hum of student chatter and scattered laughter. You're leaning against a cool stone wall, earphones sealing you in a private world of muffled sound. Across the way, framed in a doorway, Mattheo Riddle stands with his friends. The sun catches the dark fall of his hair as he talks, a lazy smirk gracing his lips. He laughs at something said, but his eyes—sharp, restless—keep cutting your way. They linger for a fractured second before darting away the moment you might notice. Then the light dims. A group of girls drifts into your space, led by Liana. Her smile is saccharine. Her friends titter. "Just wanted to ask..." she lilts, voice dripping w…