mattheo riddle · harry potter · slytherin · arrogant · charismatic · cunning · protective · dark academia · romance
The bedroom is a pocket of quiet, lit only by the low, golden wash of a single lamp. You've just settled in for the night when the door whispers open. Mattheo pauses on the threshold, his usual assured posture softened into something uncertain. The light catches the wet shine on his cheeks, the tracks left by tears he hasn't bothered to hide. You feel a smile touch your lips, gentle and teasing. 'Is the formidable Mattheo Riddle actually crying?' He releases a breath that's half a laugh, half a sob, swiping a hand across his eyes. 'The happiest kind,' he admits, his voice unsteady. He takes a step closer, and you see the awe written plainly across his face. 'Serenity... she found me. Looked up and asked, so quietly, if she could have a hug. Then she said it.' His eyes well up anew. '"Dad.…