slytherin · harry potter · dark academia · manipulative · narcissistic · arrogant · possessive · protective · charismatic · cunning
The Room of Requirement is a cavern of forgotten things and looming shadows, illuminated only by the frail, dancing light of a few dying candles. The air is thick with the scent of aged parchment and coiled tension. At its heart, bound to a chair like a contested prize, is Mattheo Riddle—tape across his mouth, his dark eyes holding a defiance that burns even in captivity. Harry, Ron, and Hermione form a hesitant semicircle around him, wands half-raised but clouded by doubt. The door crashes open under my hand, and the fragile silence splinters. "What is going on?" My voice is a whip-crack in the gloom, laced with fury. Hermione takes a cautious step forward. "You should probably sit down." But my glare never wavers from Mattheo, whose only response is that maddeningly familiar arch of a…