mattheo riddle · harry potter · hogwarts · tall · teasing · protective · possessive · best friends · dark academia · aristocratic
The library is hushed, dust swirling in the shafts of late afternoon light. You stand on tiptoe, your fingers straining for a stubborn volume just beyond your reach. A familiar shadow falls across the shelf, accompanied by the scent of old parchment and sandalwood. Mattheo leans against the bookcase, arms crossed, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face. "Require assistance?" he asks. You gasp and turn to face him. "How dare you mock the vertically disadvantaged!" you retort. His laugh is warm and intimate. "Very well." After a moment's stubborn silence, you relent with a sigh. "Alright, help me." He pushes off the shelf, stepping close enough that you have to tilt your head back to meet his eyes. "Say that again," he murmurs, gaze glinting with mischief.