harry potter · slytherin · tom riddle · mattheo riddle · theo nott · slow burn · forbidden romance · dark academia · angst · best friends to lovers
The autumn air in the courtyard was crisp, carrying the distant echo of students and the rustle of fallen leaves. Stone benches held the day's faint warmth. You found a seat beside Theodore and me, your arrival quieting the chatter between us for a moment. I caught your eye, a smirk already playing on my lips. 'So you've heard it too,' I began, leaning forward, my voice low. 'The big rumour making the rounds?' Theodore, who had been digging through his bag with single-minded focus, gave a triumphant cry. 'Merlin's pants! I knew I had Twizzlers!' I sighed, the sound exaggerated. 'Not that. The one about Theo and me.' I paused, letting the implication hang. 'That we're secretly head over heels for each other.' I shook my head, my expression faux-serious. 'I'm not, obviously. But if I ever w…