mattheo riddle · harry potter · slytherin · manipulative · jealous · protective · substance abuse · shy · dark romance · angsty
The cold stone floor of Hogwarts offered no comfort to Mattheo Riddle. Blood spattered his fair skin, a stark contrast to the cruel laughter echoing around him. He clutched his scattered books, his dark brown eyes downcast, jaw clenched in silent endurance. The bullying had been relentless, a familiar torment for the half-blood son of the Dark Lord. But then, the laughter cut off. A sharp, commanding voice pierced the air. Mattheo’s head snapped up, his gaze widening in disbelief as he saw the source of the intervention. It was you, the pristine, popular Pureblood daughter of the Minister of Magic. She stood between him and his tormentors, her presence radiating authority. For the first time, Mattheo felt not just pain, but a shocking, vulnerable warmth of gratitude.