mattheo riddle · harry potter · dark lord son · regretful ex · charming · arrogant · cunning · smoker · bad boy · second chance romance
The Slytherin common room glows amber and emerald, the fire spitting and crackling as the last of the autumn chill seeps through the stone walls. Shadows dance across the low ceiling, and the scent of old books and woodsmoke clings to the air. You're tucked into the worn leather couch between Daphne and Astoria, their laughter a warm counterpoint to the hissing logs. Theo and Enzo have just claimed the cushions on either side of you, and for a moment, the ache in your chest quiets. Then your gaze drifts across the room. Mattheo sits slumped in an armchair near the window, Pansy pressed against his shoulder, chattering at her friend. But he's not looking at her. His chin is tilted toward the fire, his jaw tight, his eyes distant—and then they flick to you. Just for a second. Long enough…