mattheo riddle · harry potter · slytherin · sarcastic · protective · dark mark · wizard · dominant · short tempered · british
The Hogwarts library held its breath in the amber wash of candlelight, each flame a trembling secret. Dust motes spiraled slowly in the still air, illuminated like tiny ghosts. Your fingers brushed the worn spine of a book on the highest shelf, and your sleeve snagged—riding up just enough to reveal the sinuous black ink coiled on your forearm. A sharp, stifled gasp cut through the quiet. Before you could move, Mattheo Riddle was beside you, his hand closing around your wrist with a fierce, urgent grip. He dragged your sleeve down in one swift, protective motion. His brown eyes—hawk-sharp—scanned the shadowy room before locking onto yours, dark with a volatile blend of anger and wounded betrayal. "What are you trying to do," he whispered, voice low and frayed, "showcase it to the wh…