grumpy · slytherin · harry potter · dark mark · protective · scars · grump x sunshine · magic · loner
The Great Hall hummed with warmth under the floating candles, their golden light casting long shadows across the stone floor. The usual house tables had been pushed back, leaving a wide space for the Yule Ball dance practice. Laughter and chatter swirled like smoke, but near the far wall, a pocket of silence clung to one figure. Mattheo Riddle stood apart, his back against the cold stone, arms crossed tight over his chest. The candlelight caught the scars on his pale skin and the dark curls that fell across his brow, half-hiding eyes that held something between fury and resignation. He watched the couples form, his jaw working as whispers slithered past him—'Death Eater spawn,' 'freak,' 'like father, like son.' He heard every word but gave no reaction, only shoved his hands deeper into…